The Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programs in the world, has achieved a significant milestone. With the release of the 16th installment by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, the scheme has now benefitted over 11 crore eligible farmer families, with a total of ₹3 lakh crore disbursed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers received ₹1.75 lakh crore in assistance, providing critical financial support during a time of crisis.
Launched by the Government of India on February 2, 2019, with the aim of providing supportive and positive financial assistance to farmers, the PM-KISAN scheme offers ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmer families. This sum is deposited directly into their bank accounts in three equal payments of ₹2,000, spaced four months apart. Through this digital system, the funds are directly transferred to farmers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring easy access to benefits.
Recently, under the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,’ efforts were made to extend the benefits of various government schemes to over 2.6 lakh gram panchayats. Through this initiative, 90 lakh new farmers were included in the PM-KISAN scheme. Over the past five years, the scheme has achieved significant milestones and received praise from organizations like the World Bank.
An analysis by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on farmers in Uttar Pradesh found that the financial assistance under PM-KISAN reached farmers without any discrepancies. According to the study, farmers began investing in farming tools, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to more profitable farming practices.
Use of Digital Technology for Transparency: To enhance the transparency and effectiveness of the PM-KISAN scheme, a farmer-focused digital infrastructure has been continuously strengthened. To ensure the benefits reach all farmers, the scheme has been linked with portals like UIDAI, PFMS, NPCI, and the Income Tax Department. Through this integration, all stakeholders, including states and union territories, are connected to the platform, ensuring farmers receive quick services.
Kisan e-Mitra: AI-Based Service for Farmers: To address farmers’ concerns, the PM-KISAN scheme offers a 24x7 call service and an AI-powered chatbot, Kisan e-Mitra. Farmers can ask questions in their local language and receive real-time solutions. This service is currently available in 10 languages, including Hindi, English, Odia, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Telugu, and Marathi.
Conclusion: The PM-KISAN scheme has infused new energy into the lives of Indian farmers. It not only supports their financial well-being but also fosters a new revolution in agriculture. The continued expansion of the scheme and the government’s efforts to ensure its reach will undoubtedly strengthen India’s agricultural sector.
