The PM-KISAN scheme continues to play a vital role in supporting farmers across India. Launched in February 2019, this initiative aims to provide direct financial assistance to farmers. As of February 2025, the government is set to release the 19th instalment, amounting to Rs 22,000 crore for approximately 9.8 crore beneficiaries. This scheme represents the largest direct benefit transfer initiative globally, impacting the agricultural sector.
Overview of PM-KISAN Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was introduced to enhance farmers’ income. Each beneficiary receives Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three instalments of Rs 2,000 every four months. This assistance helps farmers manage expenses related to seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs.
Recent Developments
On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 19th instalment in Bhagalpur, Bihar. The amount will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of eligible farmers. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the number of beneficiaries has increased from 9.6 crore to 9.8 crore since the last instalment.
Financial Impact
To date, the government has disbursed Rs 3.46 lakh crore under the PM-KISAN scheme. Following the release of the next instalment, this total will rise to Rs 3.68 lakh crore. The scheme has proven essential in supporting the financial stability of farmers, especially during challenging economic times.
Government Initiatives
The government is committed to enhancing agricultural production and reducing costs for farmers. Ongoing discussions with protesting farmers in Punjab aim to address their concerns. Additionally, the government promotes natural farming practices to ensure sustainable agricultural development.
Event Highlights
The upcoming event in Bhagalpur is expected to attract around 2.5 crore farmers, both physically and virtually. Key figures, including the Bihar Governor, Chief Minister, and central ministers, will be present. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a dairy processing unit and a centre of excellence under the Gokul Mission during this event.
Future Prospects
The establishment of a Makhana Board, proposed in the recent Budget, aims to support Makhana farmers. Minister Chouhan’s visit to Darbhanga will focus on understanding the challenges faced by these farmers. The government’s ongoing engagement with the farming community reflects its commitment to agricultural welfare.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the significance of direct benefit transfer schemes in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
- Examine the role of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in the socio-economic development of farmers.
- Analyse the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India and the government’s strategies to address them.
- Estimate the impact of financial assistance on the purchasing power of farmers in rural India.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the significance of direct benefit transfer schemes in enhancing agricultural productivity in India.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes provide timely financial support, enabling farmers to invest in essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
- DBT reduces the bureaucratic hurdles and delays associated with traditional subsidy systems.
- Increased financial liquidity allows farmers to adopt better farming techniques and technologies.
- DBT schemes like PM-KISAN have been instrumental in reducing rural poverty and improving living standards.
- Such schemes contribute to increased agricultural productivity by ensuring farmers have the resources they need to maximize yield.
2. Examine the role of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in the socio-economic development of farmers.
- PM-KISAN provides an annual income support of Rs 6,000, directly improving the financial stability of farmers.
- This scheme helps farmers meet their basic agricultural expenses, promoting sustainable farming practices.
- By increasing disposable income, the scheme also enhances farmers’ purchasing power, aiding in local economic development.
- PM-KISAN encourages investment in agricultural technology and practices, leading to improved productivity.
- The scheme encourages a sense of security among farmers, reducing the distress associated with agricultural risks.
3. Analyse the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India and the government’s strategies to address them.
- Challenges include fluctuating market prices, climate change impacts, and inadequate access to credit and technology.
- The government promotes schemes like PM-KISAN to provide financial support and reduce economic vulnerability.
- Initiatives to enhance irrigation facilities and promote natural farming aim to improve productivity and sustainability.
- Regular dialogue with farmers, as seen in Punjab, helps address grievances and adapt policies to their needs.
- Establishing boards for specific crops, like the proposed Makhana Board, aims to provide targeted support and improve market access.
4. Estimate the impact of financial assistance on the purchasing power of farmers in rural India.
- Financial assistance from schemes like PM-KISAN directly increases the cash flow available to farmers.
- This enhanced purchasing power allows farmers to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
- Increased income leads to improved living standards, enabling farmers to afford education and healthcare.
- It stimulates local economies as farmers spend on goods and services within their communities.
- Overall, financial assistance contributes to reducing rural poverty and improving the quality of life for farming families.
