Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a government initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across India. The primary objective of PM-KISAN is to ensure a steady income for farmers and to alleviate their financial burden.
Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmers receive direct income support of Rs. 6,000 annually. This financial assistance is provided in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each, which are deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account. The funds provided through PM-KISAN can be used by farmers to meet their agricultural expenses and improve their overall productivity.
To be eligible for this scheme, a farmer must meet certain criteria. Firstly, the farmer must be a citizen of India and hold valid identification documents. Secondly, the farmer should have cultivated land, either individually or collectively with others. Small and marginal farmers with a landholding of up to 2 hectares are eligible for the scheme. Finally, farmers who are already in receipt of benefits through pension schemes or belong to higher-income groups are not eligible for PM-KISAN.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana operates on a database-driven approach known as the Farmers’ Database Management System (FDBMS). In order to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent claims, the government has made it mandatory for farmers to link their Aadhaar cards to their bank accounts. The scheme also utilizes technology to minimize errors and avoid duplicate beneficiaries. The use of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures that the financial assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries without any intermediaries.
PM-KISAN has proven to be a game-changer for farmers across the country. It provides them with a much-needed financial cushion, especially during critical farming seasons. The scheme directly benefits over 14 crore (140 million) farmers and is expected to significantly boost rural income and agricultural productivity.
The implementation of PM-KISAN has brought several advantages to the agricultural sector. It not only strengthens the economic condition of farmers but also empowers them to invest in modern farming techniques and technologies. By helping farmers meet their expenses, PM-KISAN enables them to access better seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and equipment, ultimately leading to improved farming practices and enhanced crop yields.
Furthermore, the scheme promises immense social benefits by addressing rural distress and reducing farmers’ dependence on informal lenders. By providing a steady income support, PM-KISAN aims to reduce the incidence of farmer suicides and improve the overall well-being of farmers and their families.
Overall, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a progressive step towards the betterment of the agricultural sector in India. By channeling financial assistance directly to the farmers, the scheme uplifts their socio-economic status and promotes sustainable farming practices. It plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, reducing rural poverty, and building a prosperous rural India.