The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central sector scheme launched by the Government of India to provide income support to eligible small and marginal farmers. This initiative is a major step in ensuring the financial well-being of India’s agrarian community by offering direct cash transfers.

Introduced during the Interim Budget of 2019 by then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, PM-KISAN aims to supplement farmers’ incomes to help them meet their agricultural and domestic needs, and reduce their dependency on informal credit systems.

Summary Table

Objective and Benefits

The primary goal of PM-Kisan is to:

• Provide financial support to farmers for procurement of agricultural inputs.

• Reduce financial stress and improve livelihoods.

• Promote inclusive growth in the rural sector.

• Ensure timely assistance during key farming cycles.

Under this scheme, the central government offers Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each, disbursed every four months. The payments are directly credited into the farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Installment Release Cycle

The Rs 6,000 support amount is split into three periods:

As of June 2025, 19 installments have already been disbursed. The 20th installment is expected to be released in June 2025, although the government has not announced the exact date. The 19th installment was disbursed in February 2025, benefiting over 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.4 crore women.

Eligibility Criteria

To receive benefits under the PM-Kisan Yojana, a farmer must meet the following conditions:

• Must be a citizen of India.

• Should be the owner of cultivable agricultural land.

• Must fall under the small or marginal farmer category.

• Should not be receiving a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more.

• Must not have filed income tax in the previous assessment year.

• Should not be an institutional landholder.

Mandatory e-KYC for Continued Benefits

The government has mandated e-KYC for all registered farmers to ensure the authenticity of beneficiaries and minimize fraud.

e-KYC Methods:

1. OTP-Based – Through the official PM-Kisan portal

2. Biometric-Based – At the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC)

Without completing e-KYC, a farmer’s installment may be withheld.

How to Check Beneficiary Status

Farmers can check if they are listed as PM-Kisan beneficiaries by following these steps:

1. Visit: https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on ‘Know Your Status’

3. Enter your registration number and captcha code

4. Click ‘Get Data’ to view your status

How to View the Village-wise Beneficiary List

1. Visit the PM-Kisan website: https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on ‘Beneficiary List’

3. Select your:

   • State

   • District

   • Sub-district

   • Block

   • Village

4. Click on ‘Get Report’

The entire beneficiary list for your village will be displayed.

How to Register for PM-Kisan Yojana

New applicants who fulfill the eligibility criteria can register by:

1. Going to: https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Clicking on ‘New Farmer Registration’

3. Entering your Aadhaar number and solving the captcha

4. Clicking ‘Yes’ to confirm

5. Filling out the form with accurate details

6. Submitting and taking a printout for your records

PM-Kisan Helpline Numbers

If farmers face issues during registration, verification, or payment, they can contact the official helpline:

• 155261

• 011-24300606

The support team is available to resolve queries and ensure smooth access to benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the objective of the PM-Kisan scheme?

A: To provide income support to small and marginal farmers for purchasing inputs and sustaining their livelihoods.

Q2. How many installments are given each year?

A: Three equal installments of ₹2,000 are paid every four months, totaling ₹6,000 per year.

Q3. How do I know if I’m eligible?

A: You must own cultivable land, not pay income tax, and not receive a high pension.

Q4. Is e-KYC mandatory?

A: Yes, it is essential to receive future payments under the scheme.

Q5. Can new farmers apply now?

A: Yes, eligible farmers can register on the official PM-Kisan website.

Q6. What happens if I don’t do e-KYC?

A: Your payments may be stopped or delayed until e-KYC is completed.

Q7. Where can I get help?

A: Call the helpline numbers or visit the nearest CSC for assistance.

Conclusion

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana continues to be a transformative welfare initiative, offering critical support to millions of Indian farmers. With a focus on transparency, inclusivity, and financial stability, the scheme ensures that rural agricultural households have the necessary resources to sustain and improve their livelihoods. Completing e-KYC, checking beneficiary status, and keeping records up to date are key steps for every eligible farmer to benefit from this initiative.