Article:
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi Yojana: Empowering Farmers with Financial Support
The agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, with a majority of the country’s population being dependent on farming for their livelihoods. Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers and the need for comprehensive support, the Indian government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan) in 2019. This ambitious scheme aims to provide financial assistance to farmers and alleviate their financial burdens.
The objective of PM-Kisan is to ensure a steady income for small and marginal farmers by providing direct income support. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive income support of INR 6,000 per year in three equal installments. The amount is directly transferred to their bank accounts to ensure transparency and eliminate middlemen.
To be eligible for PM-Kisan, farmers must meet certain criteria. Firstly, they must be small and marginal landholding farmers who own cultivable land of up to two hectares. Additionally, farmers who belong to families with combined landholding above two hectares are also included, provided they meet the requirements. However, professionals involved in agricultural practices such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers are not eligible for this scheme.
The registration process for PM-Kisan is relatively simple and accessible. Farmers can register through the online portal or at authorized Common Service Centres (CSCs) located across the country. Applicants are required to provide essential details such as their Aadhaar number, bank account details, and landholding documents to complete the registration process.
Under PM-Kisan, the government disburses funds directly to farmers using the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS). Through this, the government ensures a seamless and secure transfer of funds without any intermediaries. In case a farmer’s Aadhaar is not available, alternate identification documents such as Voter ID, passport, driving license, and others can be used.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi Yojana has witnessed remarkable success since its inception, benefitting millions of farmers across the country. The scheme improves the financial stability of farmers, enabling them to invest in better agricultural practices, purchase farming equipment, and meet various farming-related expenses.
To ensure effective implementation and transparent disbursal of funds, the government has established a dedicated PM-Kisan cell at the national level. Each state also has a dedicated PM-Kisan nodal officer to facilitate smooth operations and address any concerns or queries raised by farmers.
PM-Kisan has also integrated various advanced technologies to streamline the process and minimize errors. The use of geo-tagging and satellite imagery enables accurate identification of beneficiaries and ensures that the benefits reach the intended farmers.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi Yojana has revolutionized the support provided to farmers in India. By extending monetary benefits directly to the farmers’ bank accounts, the scheme ensures timely assistance and empowers them to enhance their agricultural practices. With PM-Kisan, the government aims to transform the lives of Indian farmers by providing a stable income source, improving their standard of living, and promoting a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.