As part of his government’s efforts to improve the plight of India’s farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in February 2019. This flagship agriculture support program provides direct income support to over 12 crore farmers across the country, aimed at boosting their financial capacity and enhancing their livelihoods.
Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs. 6,000 per year in three instalments of Rs. 2,000 each, credited directly into their bank accounts. The program targets small and marginal farmers who own less than two hectares of cultivable land and are often unable to generate steady income from their farms due to various factors such as poor agricultural infrastructure, lack of access to credit facilities, fluctuating crop prices, and natural disasters.
To ensure the effective implementation of the scheme, the government has established a robust technology-driven mechanism to identify the beneficiaries and transfer the funds to their accounts. Farmers can register for the program either online or offline through their nearest common service centers. The government has also set up a toll-free helpline number and a dedicated portal for the scheme to provide support to farmers and address their grievances.
The Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has been widely hailed as a potential game-changer for the rural economy, with several experts predicting that it could have a significant impact on alleviating rural distress and improving farmers’ lives. By providing direct and unconditional income support to farmers, the program can help them to meet their basic needs, invest in their farms, purchase inputs and equipment, and improve their productivity.
Moreover, the scheme has the potential to stimulate the rural economy by boosting demand for agricultural inputs and services, creating new employment opportunities, and increasing farmers’ purchasing power. The government has also announced plans to introduce several complementary measures such as crop insurance, soil health cards, and agricultural market reforms to ensure the holistic development of the agriculture sector.
In conclusion, the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a crucial step towards addressing the structural challenges faced by India’s farming community and building a more inclusive and self-sufficient rural economy. While the scheme has already disbursed over Rs. 90,000 crore to farmers since its launch, there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring the scheme’s reach and effectiveness. By continuing to work closely with farmers and other stakeholders, the government can create a sustainable and prosperous future for India’s agricultural sector.