The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, also known as PM-Kisan, is a government initiative introduced in February 2019 to aid small and marginal farmers in India. The scheme aims to provide financial support to farmers by offering them direct income assistance to mitigate their financial burden and help them meet their agricultural needs.
Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive an income support of Rs. 6,000 ($82) annually in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 ($27) each. The fund is directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers, which eliminates middlemen and ensures that the beneficiaries receive the full benefit of the scheme. The amount is intended to support farmers in purchasing inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and other necessities required for agricultural activities.
To avail the benefits of PM-Kisan, farmers must meet certain eligibility criteria. Firstly, they need to be small and marginal landholding farmers with cultivable land up to 2 hectares (5 acres). Secondly, they should be actively involved in farming activities, either as sole owners or as members of a family. Additionally, families in which at least one member is a pensioner or belongs to an income tax-paying household are not eligible for this scheme.
The registration process for PM-Kisan is straightforward. Farmers can either visit their nearest agriculture department or check online portals to register themselves. They need to provide necessary details such as their name, Aadhaar card number, bank account details, and land-holding documents during the registration process. After verification, the beneficiary list is updated, and farmers can start receiving the benefits.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has proven to be a significant step towards improving the financial condition of farmers in India. By directly transferring funds into their bank accounts, the scheme eliminates intermediaries and minimizes the risk of corruption. It has not only provided relief to farmers but has also contributed to the overall improvement of the agricultural sector.
The scheme has faced some challenges and criticism, such as issues related to the exclusion of certain eligible farmers, delays in payment, and lack of awareness. However, the government has been actively working to address these concerns and ensure that more farmers can benefit from the scheme. Efforts are underway to streamline the registration process, resolve payment delays, and expand the outreach of PM-Kisan to include all deserving farmers.
In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a commendable initiative by the Indian government to uplift the financial condition of small and marginal farmers. By providing direct income support, the scheme aims to enable farmers to meet their agricultural requirements and improve their overall livelihood. Though challenges exist, the government’s commitment to address these issues showcases its determination to ensure the success of PM-Kisan and the welfare of farmers across the nation.