On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN), marking yet another significant milestone in the Indian government's commitment to supporting its farmers. Approximately ₹22,000 crores will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of around 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers, as part of this initiative aimed at strengthening the economy of the agricultural sector.
The PM-KISAN scheme, which began in 2019, was launched to provide direct financial assistance to land-holding farmers, primarily small and marginal farmers, enabling them to procure agricultural inputs and manage household expenses. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the disbursement during a press conference, affirming the government's dedication to promoting agricultural prosperity and rural development. He noted, "The PM-KISAN scheme has been instrumental since its inception, disbursing over ₹3.46 lakh crore to date, which will increase to ₹3.68 lakh crore with this latest installment."
Farmers can easily verify their beneficiary status and eligibility for the current installment through the official PM-KISAN website, pmkisan.gov.in. To do so, they must navigate to the 'Farmers Corner' section and select 'Beneficiary Status,' where they can enter their Aadhaar link or account number to confirm their payment history. The government urges all farmers to complete their e-KYC processes to avoid any delays or issues with receiving their funds.
With the recent launch of technological upgrades, including the PM-KISAN mobile app and AI chatbot Kisan-eMitra, the government aims to streamline processes and increase the transparency of fund transfers. The mobile app, which enhances accessibility to the scheme, allows farmers to complete their e-KYC through facial recognition technology, benefiting rural areas with limited access to traditional means of identification verification.
Each eligible farmer receives ₹6,000 per year, distributed across three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months. This consistent financial support directly tackles the economic challenges faced by farmers, allowing them to focus on agricultural productivity rather than falling prey to high-interest loans from moneylenders.
Notably, during the 18th installment launched on October 5, 2024, the government had disbursed more than ₹20,000 crores to 9.4 crore beneficiaries. The scheme's significant expansion, as highlighted by Chouhan, indicates the rising demand for financial aid among farmers, driven by the need to sustain livelihoods amid increasing agricultural costs.
Farmers across India recognize the PM-KISAN scheme as not just monetary support but also as a catalyst for transforming their economic conditions. An independent study from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) highlighted the positive impact the program has had on rural economic growth—boosting agricultural investments and enhancing the risk-taking capacity of farmers.
The government has continually emphasized the importance of financial aid as part of its broader agricultural policy framework. It recognizes the role of farmers as the backbone of the country’s economy, constituting 50% of the population. Through systems like PM-KISAN, it aims to secure their financial future and promote enhanced agricultural productivity.
For farmers awaiting their payments, ensuring timely completion of e-KYC is key. The government offers simple instructions for farmers to follow, which include visiting the official PM-KISAN website and selecting the appropriate options under 'Farmers Corner' to initiate the e-KYC process.
The scheme's impact extends beyond immediate financial relief, as funds have also been used by farmers for expenses related to education and healthcare, demonstrating the integral role of this initiative within the fabric of rural life.
By leveraging advanced technology and fostering direct benefits, the PM-KISAN scheme aims to set new benchmarks in effective governance and empower farmers to thrive independently.
The release of the 19th installment amounts to more than just financial assistance; it reinforces the government's commitment to cater to the agricultural sector’s needs and sustain its growth through continued support and infrastructural improvements. Farmers are encouraged to engage with the resources provided by the PM-KISAN platform to maximize their benefits and stay connected with the developments stemming from this transformative initiative.