PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna: Providing Support to Indian Farmers
The agriculture sector has always been the backbone of India’s economy, employing a significant portion of the country’s population and contributing to its overall development. However, farming in India comes with numerous challenges like unpredictable weather conditions, market fluctuations, and lack of access to modern technologies. To alleviate the struggles faced by farmers and ensure their financial stability, the Government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, commonly known as PM Kisan.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna was launched in February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the aim of providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers across the country. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per year, disbursed directly into their bank accounts in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each. The scheme was brought into effect retrospectively from December 2018, ensuring immediate support to farmers.
One of the main objectives of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna is to augment farmers’ income and enhance their purchasing power. The financial assistance provided can facilitate investment in improved farming practices, purchase of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, as well as the adoption of modern farming techniques. This additional income acts as a safety net for farmers during lean periods, enabling them to cover their essential expenses and ensuring their sustenance.
The scheme primarily targets small and marginal farmers, who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares. Initially, the scheme included only landholder farmers, but subsequent enhancements expanded its scope to include all farmer families, irrespective of the size of the land they possess. By extending its reach to the smallest farmers, the government is ensuring that those who need assistance the most are included under the PM Kisan scheme.
The implementation of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna is primarily carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, along with the State and Union Territory governments. To ease the registration process for farmers, both online and offline modes of application have been made available. Farmers can visit their nearby Common Service Centers (CSCs) or designated government departments to apply for the scheme. In addition, farmers can also register themselves online through the dedicated PM Kisan portal.
As of 2021, PM Kisan has become one of the largest direct income support measures for farmers globally, benefiting millions of farming families across India. The scheme has played a crucial role in boosting farmers’ confidence and morale by providing them with financial stability and addressing their immediate needs.
Apart from financial assistance, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna has also integrated technological advancements to facilitate seamless disbursement of funds. An Aadhaar-based validation system has been implemented to authenticate the beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and minimizing the possibility of leakage or fraud.
However, like any other scheme, PM Kisan has its limitations and challenges. The identification of eligible farmers, especially those without land records, can be a daunting task. There have been instances where the benefits have not reached the intended beneficiaries due to incorrect data or administrative issues. Efforts are continuously being made to address these challenges and ensure efficient delivery of the scheme to all deserving farmers.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna signifies the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of farmers, recognizing their vital contribution to the nation’s growth. By providing direct income support, the scheme is playing a significant role in transforming the lives of millions of farmers, encouraging them to embrace new technologies, and enhancing agricultural productivity. It not only alleviates the financial burden on farmers but also strengthens the agricultural sector, which is pivotal to the nation’s overall development.