PM-KISAN Scheme Extended Till 2030-31
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme from the financial year 2026-27 up to 2030-31. This extension comes with a substantial financial outlay of Rs. 3.15 lakh crore for the specified period, reinforcing the government's commitment to farmer welfare.
The PM-KISAN Scheme, launched in February 2019, is a flagship initiative designed to provide income support to eligible landholding farmer families. Under this scheme, farmers receive Rs. 6,000 per year, disbursed in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts. This direct benefit transfer (DBT) system, bolstered by Aadhaar authentication and digital verification, ensures transparency and efficiency in aid delivery.
Since its inception, PM-KISAN has successfully transferred over Rs. 4.47 lakh crore to farmers through 23 installments. The 23rd installment alone benefited more than 9.49 crore farmers, with over Rs. 18,984 crore released. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than Rs. 1.71 lakh crore was disbursed, providing crucial financial assistance. Women farmers have also been significant beneficiaries, receiving over Rs. 1.06 lakh crore, with nearly one in four beneficiaries being a woman.
Independent evaluations, such as one by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog, confirm the positive impact of the scheme. Over 92% of beneficiaries reported utilizing the assistance for agricultural activities and investments, highlighting its role in strengthening agricultural investment and improving farmers' financial stability.