India is a nation heavily dependent on agriculture, with a significant portion of its population engaged in farming. The agricultural sector, however, has faced numerous challenges over the years, including unpredictable weather conditions and low farm incomes. Recognizing the need to support and uplift the farming community, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan) in 2019.
PM-Kisan is a welfare scheme aimed at providing direct financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across the country. The main objective is to ensure a steady income flow to farmers, improve their living standards, and boost agricultural productivity. This initiative is also part of the government’s commitment to double the income of farmers by 2022.
Under this program, eligible farmers receive a direct cash transfer of Rs. 6,000 per annum in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each. The financial assistance is provided to farmers’ families, regardless of the size of their landholdings, thus ensuring a level playing field and equitable distribution of benefits. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
To avail the benefits of PM-Kisan, farmers need to satisfy certain eligibility criteria. Firstly, they must be identified as “farmers” under the various land records of the state or union territory. Secondly, they should be individuals or families who cultivate land either as owners or as tenants. Finally, professionals like doctors, engineers, advocates, etc. who also undertake farming activities are not eligible for the scheme.
The enrollment process for PM-Kisan is relatively simple. Farmers can register themselves through the nearest Common Service Center (CSC), or they can do it online by visiting the official PM-Kisan portal. To register, the farmers need to provide their basic details such as name, Aadhaar card number, bank account details, and landholding information. Once the registration is complete, the applicant’s details are verified, and if eligible, they start receiving the financial assistance directly in their bank accounts.
Since its launch, the PM-Kisan scheme has made a significant impact on the lives of the farming community. By providing direct financial support, it has helped farmers meet their agricultural requirements, purchase necessary equipment, invest in farm-related activities, and even fulfill personal needs. The scheme has provided stability to farming households and relieved them from the burden of debt, ensuring their continued engagement in agriculture.
Furthermore, PM-Kisan has played a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. By improving farmers’ income, it encourages them to adopt modern farming techniques, invest in irrigation facilities, and explore diversified cropping patterns. The scheme has also contributed to reducing the distress migration from rural to urban areas, as farmers feel more secure and confident in pursuing farming as a livelihood.
To reach out to the maximum number of beneficiaries, the government has focused on expanding the scheme’s coverage. Initially, only small and marginal farmers were eligible, but later, the ambit was extended to include every farmer in the country. The government also initiated an ongoing exercise to rectify any errors or exclusion of eligible farmers from the beneficiary list.
Overall, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has emerged as a game-changer for the farming community in India. It not only addresses the financial challenges faced by farmers but also represents the government’s commitment to prioritizing the agriculture sector. With its positive impact on rural development and the agricultural economy, PM-Kisan has become an essential step towards empowering the backbone of the nation – the farmers.