India’s agriculture sector has been the backbone of its economy, providing livelihoods to millions of farmers and agricultural workers. However, these small and marginal farmers have often struggled to make ends meet, with low yields, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to credit and insurance. To address this issue, the government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) in February 2019.
The PM-KISAN is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of land. The scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and enable them to invest in agricultural activities, enhance productivity, and improve their standard of living. The benefits are transferred directly to the farmers’ bank accounts in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.
According to government data, around 11 crore farmers have enrolled in the scheme since its launch, and over Rs. 1.50 lakh crore has been disbursed to beneficiaries. The PM-KISAN has had a significant impact on the lives of farmers, providing them with a stable source of income and improving their financial security. The scheme has also contributed to rural economic growth, as increased income for farmers has led to a rise in demand for goods and services.
Aside from providing income support, the PM-KISAN also has a strategic objective of boosting the agricultural sector by encouraging farmers to adopt better and modern practices. The scheme intends to promote sustainable farming practices, providing a necessary boost to the government’s Green Revolution initiatives.
In conclusion, the PM-KISAN scheme is an essential step toward ensuring the economic and social welfare of the country’s farming community. The scheme has gained considerable popularity among farmers, and its positive impact is being felt across rural areas, giving hope for a brighter future for the country’s agricultural sector. The government should continue to support and expand such initiatives to ensure the sustainable development of the farming sector and the well-being of its farmers.