The Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme is set to release its 19th installment on February 24, 2025, providing much-needed financial support to farmers across India. This program, which offers direct cash transfers to eligible farmers, has generated significant interest, yet recent statistics from Bareilly Tehsil reveal concerning trends related to farmer registrations.
Currently, of the 69,373 farmers eligible for the PM Kisan scheme within the region, only 54%—approximately 37,461 farmers—have completed their registration. This lack of adherence could hinder many from receiving the financial assistance intended to alleviate their farming burdens. Local agricultural officials stress the urgency of this situation, particularly with the government announcing the funds will only be disbursed to registered farmers.
According to P.K. Kanaujia, the local agriculture officer, "Farmers should complete their e-KYC and registration to receive the 19th installment benefits." The highlights of the PM Kisan scheme are manifold; eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually divided across three installments based on the successful completion of registration protocols.
The registration requirements are straightforward but necessitate specific documentation. Farmers must possess their Aadhaar, land ownership records, and linked mobile numbers to complete the registration. Currently, the government mandates e-KYC verification, emphasizing its importance as applications with verification lapses face potential exclusion from the program. Rajesh Kumar, another agriculture officer, confirmed this necessity, stating, "Only 54% of farmers have registered for the PM Kisan scheme," indicating the pressing need for improved outreach and assistance.
Officials have launched initiatives to help farmers complete their registrations. Farmer service centers have been set up across the region to facilitate the process, where farmers can register through mobile apps or visit local centers for assistance. The entire process has been simplified to encourage wider participation. Yet, complications still arise, particularly for those farmers whose details do not match records due to recent changes or mismanagement.
Despite the administration's efforts, farmers are still hesitant. Particularly, some landholders lament the process's bureaucratic challenges. Reports from local service center operators suggest significant numbers of farmers have encountered mismatches between their Aadhaar information and landholding records, resulting in delays and frustrations.
These obstacles highlight the broader difficulties faced by smallholder farmers, particularly those who lack resources to navigate the administrative hurdles associated with government schemes. While the aim is to provide timely aid, the lagging registrations complicate this mission. With the money for the 19th installment amounting to ₹22,000 crore expected to reach nearly 9.8 crore eligible farmers, the urgency for the remaining farmers to register intensifies.
The PM Kisan program, launched back in 2019, aims to mitigate the economic strain experienced by farmers by providing direct financial support. The upcoming installment serves as not only financial relief but also as recognition of the agriculture sector's importance within India's economy. Hence, officials are pushing for farmers to act fast—to finalize their registrations before the fund distributions.
Successful registration opens the door for many farming families to benefit significantly, from purchasing seeds to investing in equipment, offering hope for improved productivity. The agriculture department's outreach programs are now more aggressive than ever, as they strive to minimize the gap between expectations and reality.
Those still pending registration are advised to act swiftly. Without swift action, eligible farmers risk being left without the much-needed support potentially marking their year with more hardships. Agriculture officials continue their appeal, hoping to convert pending registrations before the funds are issued.
This entire process not only showcases the determination of local agriculture officials but also reveals the significant challenges farmers face today. The PM Kisan scheme remains one of the largest direct cash transfer initiatives globally; hence, ensuring all eligible farmers benefit from it remains top on the agenda.