Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Benefits, Eligibility, and Application

By Pamela Lee
February 6, 2026
5 Min
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There’s something quietly reassuring about a direct cash transfer landing in a farmer’s account—no fuss, no middlemen. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)—or, yes, the tongue-twister of “pradhan mantri kisan samman nidhi”—does just that: it aims to be a steady hand for those cultivating the land. Launched in 2019, it has become a lifeline for millions. Let’s unravel how it works, who qualifies, and what it truly means on the ground—warts and all.

Scheme Overview and Core Benefit

This is a Central Sector Scheme started on February 1, 2019, announced in the interim budget, aiming to provide direct income support of ₹6,000 annually per eligible farmer family, disbursed as ₹2,000 per quarter in three installments.

No land size limit today—initially capped at 2 hectares, but expanded in June 2019 to all landholding farmer families across India.

Packaging it plainly:

₹6,000 annually in three ₹2,000 installments
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures money hits the farmer’s bank account directly
Special push to eliminate corruption and delay.

Eligibility: Who Can (and Cannot) Receive It?

Eligible Beneficiaries

Must be Indian citizens who own cultivable land, as per land records.
A “family” is defined as husband, wife, and minor children.
No landholding limit—everyone, small or large landowner, is included.

Excluded Categories

The scheme intentionally excludes those of high economic or political profile:

Institutional land holders (companies, trusts, etc.)
Current/former constitutional officeholders—MPs, MLAs, ministers, mayors, etc.
Serving or retired government employees (except Class IV/MTS staff)
Retired pensioners drawing ₹10,000+ per month
Income tax payers in the previous year
Professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, CAs.

This ensures farmers without significant alternative income sources get priority support.

Registration & Application Process

Online via PM-KISAN Portal

Farmers can self-register at pmkisan.gov.in under Farmer Corner → New Farmer Registration.

Steps include:

Input Aadhaar, personal, and bank details (Aadhaar-linked account is essential).
Upload land ownership documents.
Submit a Swayam Ghoshna Patra (self-declaration).
Save the generated registration number for future tracking.

Offline via CSC or Agriculture Office

If internet access is limited, farmers can approach:

Common Service Centres (CSCs)
Revenue or Agriculture Offices

Bring Aadhaar, land papers, and bank details; CSC operators file the application and issue a slip.

e-KYC is Mandatory

e-KYC through Aadhaar is needed to ensure the installment is released. Without it, payments get stuck.

Tracking Payment and Resolving Issues

Farmers can check status via the PM-KISAN portal under “Beneficiary Status” by entering Aadhaar or bank/account number.

Common hiccups include:
– Unmapped Aadhaar
– Closed or mismatched bank accounts
– Incomplete e-KYC
– Land records mismatches

Banks have been instructed to fast-track resolution of glitches to ensure farmers don’t wait.

Real-World Impact: But Does It Really Help?

Absolutely. Here’s what’s playing out:

By August 2025, over 9.7 crore farmers received a total of ₹20,500 crore through the 20th installment. In Assam alone, ₹422 crore went to around 20 lakh farmers.
Odisha distributed ₹697 crore among 34.85 lakh farmers via the 20th installment, and with state-level support, annual benefits reached around ₹10,000 per farmer (combined PM-KISAN and CM-KISAN).

These figures show more than just numbers—they translate into seeds, fertilizers bought on time, kids going to school, and livelihood sustained.

“PM‑KISAN isn’t just financial aid—it’s the foundation of a new era where farmers are active partners in national progress.”
— Union Minister highlighting transformative potential

Yet expectations rise. Ahead of the 22nd installment, farmer groups hope the ₹6,000 annual support will increase to ₹9,000 or even ₹12,000—a nod to rising input costs and inflation.

Scheme Compared with Other Farmer Supports

Here’s how PM-KISAN stacks up:

PM-KISAN beats them in reach and consistency. Other schemes may offer more, but PM-KISAN guarantees inclusivity and simplicity.

Conclusion

PM‑KISAN remains a bedrock of farmer support—a small but essential drip of cash that helps farmers tide over seasonal pressures without falling into debt traps. By combining transparency, direct transfers, and broad coverage, it’s become one of the most dependable welfare tools on the ground.

However, pressures like inflation and rising input costs beg for updates—either increasing the per annum sum or streamlining payouts. Still, for everyday farmers, this scheme offers a reliable, trustworthy hand when they need it, making a quiet yet significant impact.

FAQs

What is the annual benefit under the PM‑KISAN scheme?

Farmers receive ₹6,000 annually per eligible farmer family, disbursed in three installments of ₹2,000 each, every four months.

Who is excluded from PM‑KISAN benefits?

Excluded are institutional landholders, high-income earners (income-tax payers), government employees (except Class IV/MTS), constitutional post holders, professionals, and pensioners earning over ₹10,000/month.

How can farmers apply if they don’t have internet access?

They can visit the nearest CSC or agriculture/revenue office with Aadhaar, land papers, and bank details to register offline.

What should farmers do if their installment doesn’t arrive?

Check Aadhaar seeding and e‑KYC status, verify bank account and IFSC details, and ensure land records match. Visit a CSC or contact bank officials if problems persist.

Has the scheme been revised to cover more farmers over time?

Yes—the cap of 2 hectares was removed in June 2019. Now all landholding farmer families are eligible, regardless of land size.

How many farmers have benefited so far?

By August 2025, around 9.7 crore farmers benefitted from the 20th installment alone, with over ₹20,500 crore disbursed across the country.