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Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, also known as PM-Kisan, is a welfare scheme launched by the Government of India in 2019 to provide financial support to small and marginal farmers in the country. The scheme is aimed at improving the livelihood of farmers and protecting them from falling into debt.
Under PM-Kisan, eligible farmers receive a financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per year (in three instalments of Rs. 2,000 each) directly into their bank accounts. The scheme covers around 145 million farmers across the country, including those who own or cultivate up to 2 hectares of land.
The benefits of PM-Kisan are significant for the farming community in India, which is largely dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. This scheme provides some much-needed relief to farmers who often struggle with unpredictable weather, pests and diseases and rising input costs. The financial assistance provided under PM-Kisan can help them buy inputs like seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, pay labour wages, or invest in enhancing productivity.
The application process for PM-Kisan is relatively simple. Farmers can register themselves for the scheme either online or at local Common Service Centers (CSCs) by providing their Aadhaar details, bank account number and other relevant information. The government has also made provisions for corrections of Aadhaar and bank details in case of errors.
While the scheme has been welcomed by farmers across the country, there have been some criticisms as well. Some analysts argue that the amount provided under PM-Kisan is not enough to support farmers fully, given the rising costs of inputs and the debt burden faced by many of them. Others have pointed out that the scheme could be more inclusive, covering tenant farmers and sharecroppers who at present are not eligible for the scheme.
Overall, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a much-needed step by the government to support the agricultural sector and improve the lives of small and marginal farmers. With continued improvements and expansion of the scheme, it has the potential to become a key driver of rural development in India.