Article: Explaining Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a flagship welfare program initiated by the Government of India to provide financial support to farmers across the country. Launched in February 2019, this scheme aims to ensure a guaranteed income for small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of India’s agricultural sector.
Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmers receive direct cash transfers of ₹6,000 annually in their bank accounts. The funds are provided in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months for meeting their agricultural needs and improving their standard of living. The financial aid is transferable to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
To be eligible for the PM-KISAN scheme, farmers must fulfill certain criteria. First, they must be citizens of India who own cultivable land. Secondly, the scheme is primarily directed towards small and marginal farmers, who possess less than two hectares of agricultural land. Lastly, the government has also extended the scheme to include all eligible farmer families, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
A massive database called the PM-KISAN Data Management System (PMDMS) was created to facilitate the enrollment process and filter out ineligible beneficiaries. This system ensures transparency by linking land records with Aadhaar numbers, thereby eliminating duplications and enhancing the accuracy of the scheme’s implementation.
The PM-KISAN scheme has brought substantial relief to millions of farmers across the country. It has not only alleviated their financial burden but also encouraged agricultural investments, enabling them to adopt modern technology, rent better equipment, and improve productivity. Additionally, the scheme has aided farmers in managing various risks associated with agriculture, such as crop failure, natural calamities, and market fluctuations.
The PM-KISAN scheme has played a crucial role in mitigating rural distress and transforming the lives of farmers by providing them with a steady source of income. It has empowered them to make informed decisions about the cultivation of crops, diversification of agricultural activities, and investing in sustainable farming practices. This, in turn, has contributed to the overall growth and development of India’s agricultural sector.
The Government of India has continued to expand the PM-KISAN scheme over the years. By the end of 2020, it covered approximately 100 million farmer beneficiaries, disbursing over ₹1.25 lakh crore in total. The aim is to bring all 140 million small and marginal farmer families under the scheme’s purview, providing them with the necessary financial assistance to thrive in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has emerged as a vital support system for farmers, offering them much-needed financial stability and enhancing their livelihood. By providing direct cash transfers, the government has significantly improved the economic conditions of small and marginal farmers and has taken a significant step towards ensuring their well-being. As the scheme continues to expand, it is playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s agricultural sector and making a positive impact on rural communities.