Title: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Empowering Farmers in India
Introduction:
In a bid to uplift the lives of Indian farmers and ensure their financial security, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in February 2019. This flagship initiative addresses the challenges faced by farmers by providing direct income support. Let’s delve into the details of this scheme and how it has been benefiting farmers across the country.
Objective:
The primary goal of PM-KISAN is to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers for their sustenance and to help them meet various agricultural expenses. The scheme aims to ensure a better standard of living for Indian farmers, alleviate agrarian distress, and augment agricultural productivity.
Eligibility Criteria:
Under PM-KISAN, farmers are eligible to receive monetary support if they meet certain criteria. To avail the benefits, the farmer should:
1. Be a resident of India.
2. Own cultivable land.
3. Cultivate crops or practice animal husbandry.
4. Falls under the “Small and Marginal Farmer” category, as defined by the government.
Benefits and Coverage:
The scheme provides eligible farmers with a financial benefit of Rs. 6,000 annually, payable in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each, directly into their registered bank accounts. This income support aims to assist farmers in meeting their agricultural needs, including buying seeds, fertilizers, tractor maintenance, and other operational expenses.
PM-KISAN also focuses on record maintenance, ensuring accurate data regarding each beneficiary’s land holdings are maintained at the village, district, and state levels. Additionally, the scheme provides financial aid to farmers in the event of natural disasters, enabling them to rebuild and recover.
Implementation and Disbursement:
The implementation of PM-KISAN is carried out in a decentralized manner to ensure efficient and direct delivery of benefits to farmers. Various departments like the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, and the Department of Land Resources collaborate to identify eligible farmers and disburse the funds.
To facilitate seamless administration, state governments and union territories are primarily responsible for the identification of eligible beneficiaries, registration, and verification of their details. Additionally, the scheme promotes the use of technology to facilitate the entire process, including Aadhaar-based authentication and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems.
Impact and Achievements:
Since its inception, the PM-KISAN scheme has significantly contributed to the well-being and financial stability of millions of farmers across India. It has played a crucial role in empowering small and marginalized farmers, ensuring their economic sustenance, and reducing their dependency on informal loans.
The scheme has also helped address agrarian distress by boosting farmers’ income and encouraging investment in agricultural activities. The direct income support has acted as a safety net for farmers, especially during challenging times and market uncertainties.
Conclusion:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has emerged as a vital welfare program for Indian farmers, offering them direct financial assistance, stability, and support. By acknowledging the invaluable contribution of farmers to the nation’s economy, this initiative aims to uplift their livelihoods and strengthen the agricultural backbone of India. With continued government efforts, the scheme is expected to create a sustainable and prosperous future for farmers, fostering socioeconomic development in rural India.