In a major boost for India's farming community, the Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme for another five years, covering the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The government has allocated ₹3.15 lakh crore for the scheme during this period, ensuring that eligible farmer families will continue to receive ₹6,000 annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The decision reinforces the government's commitment to strengthening farmers' income, promoting agricultural investment, and supporting rural livelihoods through timely and transparent financial assistance.
Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN provides eligible landholding farmer families with ₹6,000 per year, credited directly to their bank accounts in three equal installments. The scheme operates through Aadhaar-based authentication, digital verification, and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, making it one of India's largest technology-driven welfare programmes for farmers.
According to official data, more than ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers' bank accounts through 23 installments under the PM-KISAN scheme. The 23rd installment alone benefited over 94.9 million farmers, with financial assistance exceeding ₹18,984 crore. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government also disbursed more than ₹1.71 lakh crore under the scheme to provide timely financial support to farming households.
PM-KISAN has also contributed significantly to strengthening the financial participation of women in agriculture. Official figures show that women farmers have received more than ₹1.06 lakh crore under the scheme so far. Nearly one in every four beneficiaries is a woman farmer, highlighting the programme's growing role in promoting inclusive agricultural development.
Supporting Agricultural Growth and Food Production:
The government believes that regular financial assistance under PM-KISAN has enabled farmers to invest in quality seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, farm machinery, and other essential agricultural inputs. Between 2020-21 and 2025-26, India's agriculture sector recorded notable progress. During this period, the cultivated area increased by approximately 9.65%, agricultural productivity rose by 10.53%, and total foodgrain production grew by around 21.18%. The government attributes this improvement to sustained policy support, including direct income assistance provided under PM-KISAN.
Strengthening Rural Economy through Continued Investment:
With the scheme now extended until 2030-31, the government expects farmers to continue benefiting from improved access to working capital for agricultural activities. The continued financial support is expected to encourage higher farm investment, improve productivity, reduce agricultural risks, strengthen rural incomes, and contribute to the broader vision of a self-reliant and developed India.
(FAQs):
1. What is the PM-KISAN Scheme?
The PM-KISAN Scheme is a central government programme that provides eligible farmer families with ₹6,000 annually through Direct Benefit Transfer.
2. Till when has the PM-KISAN Scheme been extended?
The government has extended the PM-KISAN Scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
3. How much money has been allocated for the extended PM-KISAN Scheme?
The Union Cabinet has approved an allocation of ₹3.15 lakh crore for the five-year extension.
4. How many installments have been released under the PM-KISAN Scheme?
So far, 23 installments have been released, with over ₹4.47 lakh crore transferred to farmers.
5. How does the PM-KISAN Scheme benefit farmers?
The PM-KISAN Scheme helps farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, irrigation equipment, and other agricultural inputs while providing regular financial support throughout the year.
