PM-KISAN: Guide to Farmer Income Support

Detailed Guideline on PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana)

PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana) is a government initiative aimed at providing income support to farmers in India. The scheme was launched on February 24, 2019, by the Government of India to help farmers meet their financial needs, particularly for purchasing inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural requirements.

Here is a detailed guideline on how PM-KISAN works, who is eligible, and how to apply for it.

1. Objective of PM-KISAN

The primary objective of PM-KISAN is to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. The government provides an income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

2. Key Features of PM-KISAN

  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The scheme aims to ensure that financial support reaches farmers directly through their bank accounts, reducing leakages and ensuring transparency.
  • Income Support: Each eligible farmer receives ₹6,000 annually, divided into three installments of ₹2,000 each.
  • No Restriction on Landholding Size (Initially): Initially, only farmers with less than 2 hectares of land were eligible. However, now the scheme covers all farmers, irrespective of landholding size, subject to certain exclusions.
  • No Application Fee: There is no cost to apply for the scheme. All services are free.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for PM-KISAN, the following conditions must be met:

Basic Eligibility

  • Farmer Status: The beneficiary should be a small or marginal farmer (both individuals and families).
  • Landholding: The scheme is available for all landholding farmers.
  • Citizenship: The farmer must be a citizen of India.

Exclusions

  • The following categories of people are excluded from the scheme:
    • Institutional Landholders: Any farmer holding institutional land or land leased out for commercial purposes.
    • Government Employees: Serving or retired officers and employees of the government, including employees of PSU and government autonomous organizations.
    • Former or Current Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs).
    • Professionals: Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and other professionals paying income tax.
    • Income Tax Payees: Farmers with income above ₹2.5 lakh per year are also excluded.
    • Pensioners: Pensioners receiving ₹10,000 or more monthly (from sources other than agriculture).

4. How to Apply for PM-KISAN

There are two primary methods to apply for PM-KISAN:

Method 1: Online Application

  1. Visit the Official Website:
    Go to the official PM-KISAN website: https://pmkisan.gov.in.
  2. Click on the ‘Farmers Corner’ Tab:
    In the ‘Farmers Corner,’ you’ll find an option for “New Farmer Registration.”
  3. Fill in the Registration Form:
    Enter the required details, including your Aadhar number, mobile number, bank details (for DBT transfer), and landholding details.
  4. Submit and Wait for Verification:
    After you submit the form, the government will verify the details, and once validated, the amount will be transferred to your bank account.

Method 2: Offline Application (via State Government/Local Authorities)

Farmers who cannot apply online can apply through local government offices or the local village-level officers:

  1. Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC):
    The village-level center can assist in registration for PM-KISAN. They can help in filling out forms and submitting documents.
  2. Required Documents for Offline Application:
    • Aadhar card
    • Bank account details (with IFSC code)
    • Landholding proof
    • Mobile number linked to the Aadhar card

5. PM-KISAN Payment Process

The PM-KISAN scheme follows a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method. Payments are transferred in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each into the bank accounts of eligible farmers.

  • Installments:
    The payment is done in three installments annually, generally every 4 months. The farmer receives ₹2,000 per installment.
  • Bank Account:
    A valid bank account with the farmer’s name (preferably linked with Aadhar) is required for DBT.
  • Payment Cycle:
    The government releases funds during specific intervals, which are generally April-May, August-September, and December-January.
  • Tracking Payments:
    You can track payment status on the official website. There’s a “Beneficiary Status” link in the “Farmers Corner,” where you can check your payment status by entering your Aadhar number or account number.

6. Documents Required for PM-KISAN

  • Aadhar Card: This is essential for identity verification and linking the payment to the farmer.
  • Bank Account Details: The farmer’s bank account, preferably linked to the Aadhar card, is required for receiving the DBT.
  • Landholding Proof: Documents that show the farmer owns the land, such as a land record or land passbook.
  • Mobile Number: Linked to Aadhar and required for communication from the government.

7. Beneficiary Status Check

Farmers can check the status of their application or payment online:

  1. Visit the PM-KISAN Website.
  2. Go to ‘Farmers Corner’ and select ‘Beneficiary Status.’
  3. Enter Required Information like Aadhar number or bank account number.
  4. Submit and Check Payment Status or application status.

8. PM-KISAN in the News

The PM-KISAN scheme has been instrumental in alleviating the financial burden of farmers, especially during economic disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Several rounds of support were provided during the pandemic, and the scheme’s reach has expanded over time.

9. Challenges and Concerns

While the scheme has been successful, there are some issues:

  • Delays in Payment: Some farmers face delays in receiving payments.
  • Technical Issues: Difficulties in linking bank accounts or Aadhar numbers may lead to problems in payment processing.
  • Exclusion of Eligible Farmers: Some small farmers are excluded due to mismatches in records or database errors.

10. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I change my bank details after registration?

Yes, farmers can change their bank details through the PM-KISAN portal or by visiting the local CSC (Common Service Center).

Q2: What if I did not receive the payment?

Check your payment status on the PM-KISAN website or visit the concerned authorities in your area to resolve the issue.

Q3: How often is the installment paid?

The installment is paid three times a year, in four-month intervals.

Q4: Is there any age limit for the farmer to avail of this scheme?

There is no specific age limit, but the farmer must own agricultural land.

11. Contact Information

If you face any issues, you can reach out to the helpline:

Additionally, farmers can visit their nearest Common Service Centers (CSCs) or the Agricultural Extension Offices in their area for assistance.

Conclusion

PM-KISAN is a transformative initiative by the Government of India to provide financial support to small and marginal farmers. By ensuring direct transfers of ₹6,000 annually, the scheme helps ease the economic burden on farmers, improving their productivity and livelihood.

For more information, always refer to the official PM-KISAN website: https://pmkisan.gov.in.

Let us know if you need help with anything else related to PM-KISAN!

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