Cabinet okays continuation of PM-KISAN scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with Rs 3.15 lakh crore outlay
New Delhi, July 31
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of Rs 3.15 lakh crore.
The PM-KISAN Scheme provides timely and transparent income support to eligible farmer families through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, enabling farmers to increase agricultural investment and strengthen their livelihoods.
Under the scheme, launched in February 2019, eligible landholding farmer families receive financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per year, transferred directly into their bank accounts in three equal instalments. Through Aadhaar authentication, digital verification and a robust DBT system, the scheme has set an effective example of transparency, efficiency and accountability.
More than Rs.4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers' bank accounts through 23 instalments under the scheme. Under the 23rd instalment, more than 9.49 crore farmers benefited, with the release of over Rs 18,984 crore into their bank accounts, according to an official statement.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, more than Rs.1.71 lakh crore was disbursed to provide financial assistance to farmers. Women farmers have received more than Rs.1.06 lakh crore under PM-KISAN, and nearly one out of every four beneficiaries is a woman farmer, the statement said.
The assistance provided under PM-KISAN has enabled farmers to make timely investments in seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, agricultural machinery, and other agricultural requirements. This has enhanced farmers' productive capacity, reduced their dependence on informal credit and strengthened the financial stability of rural households.
The impact of the PM-KISAN Scheme has been assessed by various independent institutions. According to the evaluation conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog, more than 92 per cent of beneficiaries reported that they utilised the assistance amount for agricultural activities and agricultural investment.
Approximately 85 per cent of beneficiaries confirmed an improvement in agricultural income and a reduction in dependence on informal credit.
During the period 2020-21 to 2025-26, foodgrain production recorded significant growth. During this period, the area under cultivation increased by approximately 9.65 per cent, productivity by approximately 10.53 per cent, and total foodgrain production by approximately 21.18 per cent, reflecting the comprehensive support being provided to farmers under PM-KISAN and the growing capacity of the agriculture sector.
Through Aadhaar-based authentication, digital beneficiary verification and the DBT system, financial assistance is being transferred directly to farmers. The continued expansion of the PM-KISAN scheme will enhance farmers' capacity to invest in agriculture, improve productivity, help reduce agricultural risks and strengthen the rural economy, the statement added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The PM-KISAN scheme is definitely helpful, but I wish the amount was increased from ₹6000 to at least ₹12,000 per year. Inflation has made farming inputs so expensive now. But I appreciate the transparency - my mother-in-law, who is a woman farmer, gets her share directly in her account without any hassle. It's empowering for women in rural areas.
Great initiative! The DBT system has really cut down corruption. My uncle in Punjab said earlier farmer subsidies would get eaten up by local agents, but now the money lands straight in his bank. Also good to see the 21% growth in foodgrain production - shows the scheme is actually working on the ground.
Impressive numbers - ₹4.47 lakh crore transferred across 23 instalments is massive. But I'd like to see the government also invest in better irrigation projects and agricultural research, not just direct cash transfers. Long-term sustainability needs more than just income support.
As someone from a farming family in Andhra Pradesh, I can vouch for the difference this scheme makes. Especially during Covid, the support was a lifeline. But I feel the eligibility criteria needs revision - many tenant farmers and landless labourers are still left out. Hope the government considers including them too. 🤔
The scale of this scheme is genuinely impressive. ₹3.15 lakh crore outlay for 5 more years shows consistent commitment to rural India. The fact that 92% farmers use the money for actual agricultural investment is a strong indicator of its effectiveness. Smart use of Aadhaar for transparency too.
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