Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially announced the release of the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, providing much-needed financial assistance to farmers across India. This announcement was made during his visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, on February 24, 2025, where he also inaugurated several developmental projects aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
Under the PM-KISAN scheme, over 9.8 crore eligible farmer families will receive financial support. This installment translates to more than ₹22,000 crores being directly deposited to the farmers’ bank accounts. The scheme, initiated on December 1, 2018, aims to provide financial relief to farming households, ensuring they can manage the various costs associated with agriculture effectively.
"The total amount distributed so far amounts to ₹3.68 lakh crores," mentioned Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the government’s commitment to farmer welfare. The scheme has been lauded for its role as one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiatives globally, simplifying the process through which farmers receive their financial assistance.
Farmers benefit from this initiative by receiving ₹6,000 annually, split across three installments of ₹2,000 every four months. This direct deposit system has been instrumental for many small and marginal farmers, helping them purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other necessities for their farming activities. With each installment, the government aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by farmers.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture, highlighted, "The government is committed to assisting small and marginal farmers." His remarks reflect the broader intention behind the PM-KISAN scheme, which is to bolster the economic stability of India's agricultural sector, particularly for those farmers who find it challenging to manage their farming expenses without external support.
For farmers eager to verify their eligibility and payment status under the PM-KISAN scheme, the process is straightforward. They can visit the official PM Kisan website and click on the 'Beneficiary Status' section. By entering their Aadhaar or bank account number, they can quickly find out if they have received their funds.
The PM-KISAN scheme mandates the completion of Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification. Farmers have three options for completing this process: OTP-based e-KYC via the PM-KISAN portal, biometric verification at Common Service Centers (CSCs), and face authentication through the PM-KISAN mobile application. Completion of e-KYC is not just recommended; it is mandatory for continued participation and the receipt of funds.
Farmers who find discrepancies or those who have not yet received their funds are encouraged to check their banking details, ensuring their Aadhaar numbers are correctly linked to their bank accounts. For any issues, they can contact the designated helpline or visit the local CSC for assistance.
The PM Kisan scheme stands out not only for its scale but also for its impact on India's agricultural economy. By optimizing the financial conditions for farmers and simplifying the method of fund transfer, the government is fostering transparency and efficiency within the agricultural sector. It reflects the Indian government’s broader objective of enhancing the living standards of its farming population and ensuring they receive fair support for their contributions to the nation’s food supply.
Through initiatives like this, the government aims to build resilience within the agricultural community, making it more sustainable and capable of weathering economic challenges. The Prime Minister's announcement of the 19th installment not only signifies the government’s continued support for farmers but also reaffirms its commitment to the agricultural sector's overall growth and advancement.