India is an agrarian country where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for almost half of the population. However, despite being a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, the sector has been facing several challenges over the years, including low productivity, low income, and the lack of modern technology. Hence, to provide some relief to farmers, the government has launched several schemes, and one such scheme is Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN).
The PM-KISAN scheme was launched in February 2019 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It aims to provide financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers, who have a landholding of up to two hectares. The scheme is being implemented across the country, including Union Territories (UTs) except for West Bengal.
To apply for the scheme, farmers can visit the official PM-KISAN portal or approach the Common Service Centers (CSCs) near their residence. The application process is entirely online, and the farmer needs to provide his/her Aadhaar number, bank account details, and landholding papers.
Once the application is submitted, the verification process is carried out, and the eligible farmers are credited with the first installment of Rs. 2,000. Subsequently, farmers receive two more installments of Rs. 2,000 each directly in their bank accounts spread over the financial year. The scheme aims to benefit around 12 crore farmers across the country.
Apart from financial assistance, PM-KISAN helps farmers in many ways. It helps in improving farmers’ living standards, enabling them to invest in farm equipment and tools, buy seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs. Moreover, it ensures that the farmers have a regular source of income, which will reduce their dependency on moneylenders and other non-institutional sources.
PM-KISAN is a game-changer for the farming community, and it has brought a ray of hope to the farming community. The scheme has the potential to reduce the distress among farmers, which is the need of the hour.
Therefore, PM-KISAN is a significant initiative that aims to promote inclusive growth by empowering the farmers and boosting the agricultural sector’s overall growth.