New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme from 2026–27 to 2030–31 with a total outlay of Rs 3.15 lakh crore.
The PM-KISAN Scheme provides timely and transparent income support to eligible farmer families through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, enabling farmers to increase agricultural investment and strengthen their livelihoods.
Under the scheme, launched in February 2019, eligible landholding farmer families receive financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per year, transferred directly into their bank accounts in three equal instalments. Through Aadhaar authentication, digital verification and a robust DBT system, the scheme has set an effective example of transparency, efficiency and accountability.
More than Rs.4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts through 23 instalments under the scheme. Under the 23rd instalment, more than 9.49 crore farmers benefited, with the release of over Rs 18,984 crore into their bank accounts, according to an official statement.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, more than Rs.1.71 lakh crore was disbursed to provide financial assistance to farmers. Women farmers have received more than Rs.1.06 lakh crore under PM-KISAN, and nearly one out of every four beneficiaries is a woman farmer, the statement said.
The assistance provided under PM-KISAN has enabled farmers to make timely investments in seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, agricultural machinery, and other agricultural requirements. This has enhanced farmers’ productive capacity, reduced their dependence on informal credit and strengthened the financial stability of rural households.
The impact of the PM-KISAN Scheme has been assessed by various independent institutions. According to the evaluation conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog, more than 92 per cent of beneficiaries reported that they utilised the assistance amount for agricultural activities and agricultural investment.
Approximately 85 per cent of beneficiaries confirmed an improvement in agricultural income and a reduction in dependence on informal credit.
During the period 2020–21 to 2025–26, foodgrain production recorded significant growth. During this period, the area under cultivation increased by approximately 9.65 per cent, productivity by approximately 10.53 per cent, and total foodgrain production by approximately 21.18 per cent, reflecting the comprehensive support being provided to farmers under PM-KISAN and the growing capacity of the agriculture sector.
Through Aadhaar-based authentication, digital beneficiary verification and the DBT system, financial assistance is being transferred directly to farmers. The continued expansion of the PM-KISAN scheme will enhance farmers’ capacity to invest in agriculture, improve productivity, help reduce agricultural risks and strengthen the rural economy, the statement added.
–IANS
sps/vd
