New Delhi [India], February 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on Monday in Bhagalpur, Bihar. This installment will directly benefit around 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers across India.
The release of more than Rs 22,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers’ accounts highlights the government’s continued commitment to farmer welfare, bypassing middlemen and ensuring transparency.
PM Modi’s Address at the Bhagalpur Rally
In his address at the rally, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the BJP-led NDA government’s focus on the four pillars of a “Viksit Bharat”: the poor, farmers, women, and youth. He emphasized the NDA’s unwavering support for farmers, both at the central and state levels, stating:
“The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has credited over Rs 1,600 crore to more than 75 lakh farmer families in Bihar alone,” said Modi, reflecting on the scheme’s impact in the state.
PM Modi also highlighted the comprehensive support that farmers now receive, addressing key concerns such as access to good seeds, affordable fertilizers, irrigation, and protection from disasters. He contrasted this with past regimes, particularly the Congress and RJD, accusing them of allocating minimal funds to agriculture.
Achievements Under PM-KISAN and Farmer Welfare Initiatives
The Prime Minister mentioned several significant initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers:
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Launched in 2014, it has provided Rs 1.75 lakh crore in claims to farmers during natural disasters.
- Agricultural Exports: India’s growing agricultural exports, including products like Bihar’s Makhana, are helping farmers secure better prices for their produce.
- Formation of a Makhana Board: To support Makhana farmers and promote this “superfood” in international markets.
Further, Modi announced the formation of the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Khagaria, Bihar, focusing on crops such as maize, bananas, and paddy. He described this as a major milestone in strengthening regional agricultural practices.
PM-KISAN Scheme: Key Features and Achievements
Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme designed to provide financial support to land-holding farmers. The scheme offers Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments directly to farmers’ bank accounts via DBT, ensuring that funds reach beneficiaries without the involvement of middlemen.
As of February 2025, the government has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh crore in 18 installments. The scheme continues to evolve with advancements in digital infrastructure to reach farmers across the country efficiently.
Technological Advancements in PM-KISAN
To enhance the scheme’s efficiency, the government has introduced several technological innovations:
- PM-KISAN Mobile App: Launched in 2020, with a “Face Authentication Feature” added in 2023 for remote farmers to complete e-KYC without OTP or fingerprints.
- AI Chatbot – Kisan-eMitra: Launched in 2023, this provides farmers with instant assistance in local languages regarding registration, payments, and eligibility.
- e-KYC Facilitation: Over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to assist farmers with registrations, and state officials are empowered to complete e-KYC for 500 farmers each.
Positive Impact of PM-KISAN
Independent studies, like the one by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2019, have shown that PM-KISAN funds have significantly boosted rural economic growth, eased farmers’ credit constraints, and increased agricultural investment.
Moreover, the funds received under the scheme have not only been used for agricultural needs but also for other expenses like education, healthcare, and marriage.
Growth and Expansion of PM-KISAN
The scheme continues to expand, with a significant saturation drive in 2023 adding over 1 crore eligible farmers to the scheme. By June 2024, an additional 25 lakh farmers were included. As a result, the 18th installment benefitted over 9.59 crore farmers.
The Future of PM-KISAN
With the continuous technological advancements and a robust grievance redressal system, PM-KISAN remains a pivotal initiative for India’s farming community. The government’s target of creating 10,000 FPOs has been achieved, and initiatives like the PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana aim to further enhance productivity in low-producing agricultural districts.
Conclusion
Over the past five years, PM-KISAN has transformed India’s agricultural sector, enhancing financial inclusion and empowering farmers across the country. Its seamless digital infrastructure, transparent governance, and broad reach have set a new benchmark for welfare schemes in India.
As PM-KISAN continues to grow, it remains a testament to the government’s dedication to improving the lives of India’s farmers.
