The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one of India’s most important farmer support schemes. Launched by the Government of India, PM-KISAN provides direct financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers. This amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each.
In 2025, PM-KISAN continues to serve as a vital income support system for more than 11 crore farmers, helping them manage agricultural expenses and financial risks.
This article covers all essential details including eligibility, benefits, registration process, documents required, reasons for instalment delays, and frequently asked questions.
1. What is PM-KISAN?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi is a central sector scheme that provides annual income support to farmer families across India. The main objective is to ensure that farmers have some level of financial stability throughout the year, especially during crop sowing seasons when expenses are high.
Key Highlights of PM-KISAN
- Annual assistance: ₹6,000 per year
- Payment mode: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
- Instalments: ₹2,000 every four months
- Beneficiaries: Small and marginal farmers, including landowners
- Applicable: Across all states and union territories of India
PM-KISAN is fully funded by the Government of India, meaning states do not have to contribute financially.
2. Who Is Eligible for PM-KISAN?
Eligibility is based on land ownership and farmer status. The following individuals can apply for PM-KISAN:
Eligible Farmers
- Small and marginal farmer families
- Landholding farmers with cultivable land
- Individuals or families owning agricultural land in their name
- Farmers from both rural and urban areas
A “farmer family” includes:
- Husband
- Wife
- Minor children
All combined must hold cultivable land.
Non-Eligible Farmers
Some categories are not allowed to receive PM-KISAN benefits:
- Institutional landowners
- Current or former government employees
- Pensioners receiving more than ₹10,000 per month
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, CAs
- Individuals who paid income tax in the previous year
- Wealthy landowners or families with high economic status
Ensuring the right beneficiary list helps the government target genuine farmers who need financial support.
3. Benefits of PM-KISAN Scheme
The scheme provides multiple direct and indirect benefits:
Financial Assistance
- Farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, which helps them meet expenses for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and farm equipment.
Support During Crop Seasons
- Instalments are timed to help farmers during sowing and harvesting seasons.
Boost to Rural Economy
- The money directly improves purchasing power in villages.
Reduction in Debt Pressure
- Small farmers often rely on moneylenders; PM-KISAN reduces this dependency.
Direct Transfer Ensures Transparency
- No middlemen; money goes straight into the beneficiary’s bank account.
4. PM-KISAN Instalment Schedule (₹2,000 Each)
The financial year includes three instalments:
| Instalment | Period Covered | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Instalment | April – July | ₹2,000 |
| 2nd Instalment | August – November | ₹2,000 |
| 3rd Instalment | December – March | ₹2,000 |
Farmers must complete e-KYC and land verification (as required) to receive timely payments.
5. PM-KISAN Registration – How to Apply
Farmers can register through common service centres (CSCs) or local agriculture offices. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit your nearest CSC centre or local Agriculture Department office.
- Provide your Aadhaar number, bank account details, and land records.
- Fill out the PM-KISAN application form.
- Submit the required documents.
- After verification, your name will be added to the PM-KISAN beneficiary list.
- You will start receiving instalments once approval is completed.
6. Documents Required
To register under PM-KISAN, farmers need:
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
- Mobile number
- Land ownership documents (ROR / Patta / Khatauni depending on state)
- Residence proof (if needed in your state)
Accurate documentation ensures faster approval by authorities.
7. Why Instalments Get Delayed
Many farmers face delays in receiving instalments due to technical or verification issues. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete or incorrect Aadhaar details
- Bank account mismatch
- Failure to complete e-KYC
- Land record discrepancies
- Bank account being inactive or frozen
- Name mismatch in documents
Farmers must ensure that their Aadhaar, mobile number, and bank details are updated.
8. PM-KISAN e-KYC – Mandatory for All Farmers
To maintain transparency, the government has made Aadhaar-based e-KYC mandatory.
Farmers can complete it through:
- Local CSC centres
- State agriculture offices
- Aadhaar OTP authentication (where available)
Without e-KYC, instalments will be stopped.
9. How Farmers Can Check PM-KISAN Status
Farmers usually check their:
- Beneficiary status
- Payment history
- Application approval
- Rejected or pending status
This helps them know if corrections or updates are needed. Although checking requires online access, assistance is available at CSCs and agriculture offices for those without smartphones.
10. Impact of PM-KISAN on Indian Agriculture
Since its launch, PM-KISAN has had a positive influence on India’s farming community:
Income Stability
Even though ₹6,000 is small, it provides guaranteed annual support.
Encourages Investment in Farming
Farmers are more willing to purchase quality seeds and fertilizers.
Boosts Use of Technology
More farmers can invest in tools like sprayers, weeders, and small machines.
Supports Young Farmers
New farmers entering agriculture find the scheme encouraging.
Empowers Rural Women
In many households, instalments are credited to women’s bank accounts.
11. Latest Updates (2025)
- e-KYC and land verification are mandatory for all states.
- Instalments continue to be released every four months.
- Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers ensure faster verification.
- Many states have integrated PM-KISAN with their land record portals for automation.
These updates aim to reduce fraud and ensure genuine farmers receive benefits.
12. Pros and Limitations
Pros
- Direct benefit transfer ensures transparency
- Helps with seasonal farm expenses
- Supports small and marginal farmers
- No age restrictions for eligibility
- Works across all states
Limitations
- Amount is often considered too low
- Landless labourers are not eligible
- Urban rich landholders (even with small land) may still qualify
- Verification delays can slow instalments
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a crucial income support scheme that benefits millions of farmers across India. By offering ₹6,000 every year directly into bank accounts, the scheme helps farmers manage agricultural expenses, improve productivity, and reduce financial stress. While it may not solve all economic challenges, PM-KISAN plays a strong role in strengthening the rural economy and supporting small and marginal farmers.
PM-KISAN FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PM-KISAN?
PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) is a central government scheme that provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers in three instalments of ₹2,000 each.
2. Who is eligible for PM-KISAN?
All landholding farmers who own cultivable land in their name are eligible. Small and marginal farmers, as well as farmers in rural and urban areas, can apply.
3. Who is not eligible for PM-KISAN?
Government employees, income tax payers, institutional landowners, pensioners receiving more than ₹10,000 per month, and professionals such as doctors or engineers are not eligible.
4. How much money do farmers get under PM-KISAN?
Farmers receive a total of ₹6,000 per year, paid in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 every four months.
5. How do I check if my PM-KISAN payment is released?
Farmers can check their payment status at local CSC centres, agriculture offices, or through mobile assistance if they don’t use internet services.
6. Why is my PM-KISAN instalment delayed?
Common reasons include incorrect Aadhaar details, bank account mismatch, incomplete e-KYC, inactive bank account, or land record issues.
7. Is e-KYC mandatory for PM-KISAN?
Yes. Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory. Without completing e-KYC, instalments will not be credited.
8. What documents are required for PM-KISAN registration?
Aadhaar card, bank passbook, mobile number, and land ownership documents such as ROR, Patta, or Khatauni.
9. Can tenant farmers apply for PM-KISAN?
No. Only landowners are eligible. Tenant farmers or sharecroppers who do not own land cannot receive benefits under the scheme.
10. How often are PM-KISAN instalments released?
Three instalments are released every year:
- April–July
- August–November
- December–March
11. Can women farmers apply for PM-KISAN?
Yes. Women farmers who own agricultural land in their name are fully eligible.
12. What should I do if my name is incorrect in the PM-KISAN database?
Farmers should visit the nearest CSC centre or agriculture office to update or correct their name as per Aadhaar records.
13. Does PM-KISAN apply to farmers in all states?
Yes. The scheme is implemented nationwide and covers all states and union territories.
14. Will I receive PM-KISAN money if my bank account is inactive?
No. Instalments will fail or be returned if the bank account is inactive or closed. It must be updated and active.
15. Can I change my bank account number for PM-KISAN?
Yes. Farmers can update their bank account details at CSC centres or local agricultural department offices.
