Introduction:

India’s agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, and to support farmers financially, the government launched the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This Central Sector Scheme, which is fully funded by the Government of India, provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers. Launched in December 2018, the scheme offers ₹6,000 annually to landholding farmer families. In this article, we will explain how farmers can apply for the scheme, the benefits they can expect, and answer common questions about Kisan Samman Nidhi.

What is PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi?

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was launched on 1st December 2018 by the Government of India as part of its initiative to support small and marginal farmers. This scheme provides an annual financial aid of ₹6,000 to landholding farmer families in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The money is transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

PMKISAN – Key Features of the Scheme:

• ₹6,000 Annual Income Support: Distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.
• Central Sector Scheme: Fully funded by the Government of India.
• Definition of Family: A family includes the husband, wife, and minor children.
• Identification of Beneficiaries: Done by State Governments and Union Territory administrations.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The amount is transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible farmers.
• Operational Date: The scheme became operational on 1st December 2018.

How Farmers Can Apply for Kisan Samman Nidhi

Farmers can apply for Kisan Samman Nidhi through both online and offline methods. The process is simple and accessible, ensuring that farmers from all parts of the country can register easily.

Online Application Process:

Here’s a step-by-step guide for farmers to apply online for the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme:

1. Visit the Official Website: Farmers need to go to the official PM-Kisan portal at pmkisan.gov.in.
2. Click on ‘New Farmer Registration’: On the homepage, click on the ‘New Farmer Registration’ button.
3. Fill in Aadhaar and Other Details: Enter the farmer’s Aadhaar number, details of the land, and personal details like the farmer’s name, date of birth, and bank account information.
4. Submit the Application: After entering the information, submit the form and wait for verification.
5. Tracking Application Status: Farmers can track the status of their application on the same portal.

Offline Application Process for PMKISAN:

Farmers can also apply for the scheme through:

• Common Service Centers (CSCs): Visit the nearest CSC with the required documents.
• Village Patwari or Local Officials: Farmers can get help from local agricultural officers or the Patwari for filling out and submitting the form.

Eligibility Criteria for Kisan Samman Nidhi

To be eligible for the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, farmers must meet the following criteria:

1. Land Ownership: Farmers must own up to 2 hectares of cultivable land.
2. Definition of Family: The scheme defines a family as a unit consisting of the husband, wife, and minor children.
3. Documents Required:
   • Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identification)
   • Land Ownership Documents (proof of landholding)
   • Bank Account Details (for direct benefit transfer)
4. Exclusion Categories: Certain farmers are excluded from the scheme. These include:
   • Institutional landholders.
   • Farmers paying income tax.
   • Professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers holding high-income government positions.
   • Pensioners with a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more.
   • Serving or retired officers and employees of Central/State Government Ministries/Offices.

The State Government and UT administrations are responsible for identifying the eligible beneficiaries based on these criteria.

Benefits of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi for Farmers

The Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana brings multiple benefits for small and marginal farmers across India. Here’s a breakdown of how it helps:

1. Financial Support for Small and Marginal Farmers:

• Farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, which can be used to cover agricultural input costs, daily expenses, or household needs.

2. Timely Assistance:

• The three installments of ₹2,000 are provided at regular intervals, offering farmers consistent financial support throughout the year.

3. Direct Transfer to Bank Accounts:

• The scheme uses the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring that the funds are sent directly to farmers’ bank accounts without the involvement of middlemen.

4. Simplicity of Application:

• Both online and offline application methods make it easy for farmers to apply, regardless of their location.

5. Encouragement of Financial Inclusion:

• The scheme encourages farmers to open bank accounts, promoting financial inclusion in rural areas.

Statistics:

• As of 2024, over 12 crore farmers have been registered under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
• The total disbursement under the scheme has crossed ₹2 lakh crore, benefiting farmers across India.

PMKisan Samman Nidhi: Important Facts and Updates

Feature	Details
Launch Year	2018
Annual Support	₹6,000 (₹2,000 x 3 installments)
Target Group	Small and marginal farmers owning ≤ 2 hectares
Number of Beneficiaries	12 crore (as of 2024)
Mode of Payment	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Eligibility Exclusions	Institutional landholders, taxpayers, etc.

FAQs on PM Kisan Samman Nidhi

1. Who is eligible for PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi?

Farmers who own up to 2 hectares of cultivable land are eligible. Institutional landholders, professionals, and taxpayers are excluded.

2. How much financial aid will I receive?

Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000.

3. How can I check my eligibility or application status?

Farmers can visit the official portal pmkisan.gov.in and click on the “Beneficiary Status” link to check their status using their Aadhaar number or mobile number.

4. What documents are required to apply for Kisan Samman Nidhi?

Farmers need to provide their Aadhaar Card, land ownership documents, and bank account details.

5. What is the mode of payment for the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?

The payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the farmer’s bank account.

6. Can farmers who are part of other schemes also apply?

Yes, farmers who meet the eligibility criteria can apply, even if they are receiving benefits from other agricultural schemes.

Conclusion

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a critical initiative by the Government of India to provide much-needed financial support to small and marginal farmers. Since its launch in 2018, the scheme has successfully benefitted millions of farmers across the country, ensuring they receive ₹6,000 annually to meet their agricultural and household expenses. By providing direct cash transfers, the scheme eliminates intermediaries and ensures transparency.

Farmers eligible for the scheme should take advantage of this government initiative by registering online or offline, and those already registered should ensure their details are updated to continue receiving the benefits.