Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2025, officially disbursed over ₹22,000 crore to nearly 9.8 crore farmers across India as part of the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. This significant financial assistance aims to support both small and marginal farmers and bolster agricultural development throughout the country.
The event took place in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where Modi not only announced the funds but also took the opportunity to engage with local farmers, celebrate the implementation of the scheme, and discuss future agricultural initiatives. Among the beneficiaries, over 2.41 crore women farmers were highlighted as part of the efforts to empower gender representation within the agricultural sector.
Launched on December 1, 2018, the PM-KISAN scheme was initiated to provide annual financial support of ₹6,000 to landholding farmers, distributed equally across three installments. Since its inception, the scheme has transferred more than ₹3.7 lakh crore to farmers' accounts, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring direct financial aid reaches those who need it most.
During the live-streamed event, which saw participation from over 32 ministers and numerous KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) organizing simultaneous exhibitions on contemporary agricultural practices, Modi noted, "Today, I had the privilege of releasing the 19th installment of PM-KISAN. I am very satisfied this scheme is proving very useful for our small farmers across the country." His words were met with cheers from the thousands of farmers attending various KVK-organized events nationwide.
The prime minister reflected on the substantial reliance farmers have on the assistance provided by the government, stating, "If their Government had not been elected, then the farmers would still be struggling for fertilizers." Modi affirmed the continued efforts of his administration to improve access to agricultural resources, emphasizing the importance of direct benefit transfers for promoting financial stability among farmers.
Highlighting the accomplishments since the launch of the scheme, the prime minister praised the role of digital technology, noting, "The PM-KISAN mobile app has made it easier for farmers to self-register, track benefits, and directly interact with the government." Innovations such as e-KYC processes and the AI chatbot, Kisan-eMitra, were introduced to facilitate smoother operations and greater accessibility for beneficiaries.
Bihar, the state where the disbursement ceremony took place, is home to around 75 lakh farmer families. Modi stated, "Today, around ₹1,600 crore was credited directly to the bank accounts of Bihar farmers." This aggressive push to offer financial assistance is particularly significant as the state prepares for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections slated for later this year.
The broader impact of the PM-KISAN scheme is seen not only in terms of financial aid but also in how it promotes agricultural growth and sustainable practices. Modi remarked, "Around 110 million farmers have benefited from the scheme, contributing to enhanced agricultural output and economic stability," reflecting on how the initiative has become the world's largest direct cash transfer program aimed at farmers.
At the heart of PM-KISAN lies the drive to alleviate the financial burdens on farmers and reduce their reliance on moneylenders, which has historically been detrimental. By ensuring direct transfers linked to Aadhaar accounts, the government has effectively cut out the middlemen, thereby increasing transparency. Throughout its operational years, the PM-KISAN scheme has played a pivotal role not just in farming expenses but also for families' broader needs like education and healthcare.
Looking to the future, Modi addressed innovative solutions for agricultural products specific to Bihar, such as Makhana and silk. He stated, "Our focus is on taking such special products of Bihar to the markets across the world," emphasizing the establishment of the Makhana Board for farmers engaged in superfood cultivation. This board will aid farmers with all aspects of production, processing, and marketing their goods.
The PM announced, "We have now achieved the milestone of forming the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) across the country, which will connect small farmers directly with the market, enhancing their income opportunities." This achievement reinforces the government's continuous commitment to farmers' welfare and demonstrates efforts to modernize and expand agricultural practices.
Modi underscored the role of the PM-KISAN scheme alongside other initiatives like the PM Dhan-Dhanya Yojana, aimed at increasing production levels across the most backward agricultural regions. He stressed, "Our government is working on multiple levels to increase farmers’ income, from modern seed varieties to ensuring fertilizers reach our farmers. This has fundamentally changed the agricultural dynamic we inherit from previous administrations, who failed to support such initiatives adequately."
Concluding the event, Modi reiterated the pride he feels to direct the PM-KISAN scheme's funds exemplifying a transparent process where, for the past six years, every single penny seamlessly reached the farmers' accounts. He characterized this steadfast support system as his administration's priority and emphasized the importance of sustaining growth across India's agricultural sector to promote rural prosperity.