In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the welfare of farmers is paramount. Recognizing the critical role that farmers play in ensuring food security and economic stability, the Government of India launched the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. This ambitious scheme aims to provide financial support to small and marginal farmers, helping them meet their agricultural and domestic needs.
What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, popularly known as PM-KISAN, was launched on February 24, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive a direct income support of ₹6,000 per year. The amount is disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objectives of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana are:
- Provide Financial Assistance: To offer financial support to small and marginal farmers, helping them manage expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other agricultural needs.
- Enhance Crop Productivity: By providing timely financial assistance, the scheme aims to enhance the productivity of crops and ensure better yields.
- Reduce Farmers’ Debt: The scheme aims to reduce the dependency of farmers on moneylenders, thereby decreasing their debt burden.
- Promote Sustainable Farming: Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and modern agricultural practices.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, farmers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Landholding: The scheme is applicable to small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land.
- Aadhaar Linkage: Farmers must have their Aadhaar card linked with their bank account to receive the installments.
- Exclusions: Institutional landholders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of state/central government, and professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers are not eligible for the scheme.
How to Apply for PM-KISAN?
Farmers can apply for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana through the following steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official PM-KISAN portal (pmkisan.gov.in).
- New Farmer Registration: Click on the ‘New Farmer Registration’ link and enter the required details such as Aadhaar number, bank account details, and landholding information.
- Submit the Form: After filling in the details, submit the form for verification.
- Verification: The submitted details will be verified by the concerned authorities, and upon successful verification, the farmer will be enrolled in the scheme.
Benefits of PM-KISAN
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has several benefits:
- Financial Security: Provides a steady income source for farmers, ensuring financial stability.
- Timely Assistance: Helps farmers purchase essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers on time, leading to better crop production.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: Ensures transparency and eliminates middlemen by directly transferring funds to the farmers’ bank accounts.
- Inclusive Growth: Supports the government’s vision of inclusive growth by empowering small and marginal farmers.
Impact of the Scheme
Since its inception, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of farmers across India. By providing timely financial assistance, the scheme has helped farmers manage their agricultural activities more efficiently, reduce their dependency on loans, and improve their overall quality of life.
Conclusion
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a landmark initiative by the Government of India aimed at uplifting the farming community. By providing financial support and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the scheme is playing a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring the welfare of farmers. As the scheme continues to reach more beneficiaries, it promises to pave the way for a prosperous and self-reliant farming community in India.
FAQs
1. What is the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Answer: The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, directly transferred to their bank accounts.
2. Who is eligible for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Answer: Small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land are eligible for the scheme. Farmers must have their Aadhaar card linked to their bank account to receive the installments.
3. How can farmers apply for the scheme?
Answer: Farmers can apply online by visiting the official PM-KISAN portal (pmkisan.gov.in), filling in the required details, and submitting the form for verification.
4. What documents are required for registration?
Answer: Farmers need their Aadhaar card, bank account details, and landholding documents for registration.
5. How is the payment made to the farmers?
Answer: The payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the farmers’ bank accounts in three installments of ₹2,000 each.
6. What is the frequency of the payments?
Answer: The payments are made in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each per year.
7. How can farmers check their payment status?
Answer: Farmers can check their payment status by visiting the PM-KISAN portal and entering their Aadhaar number or bank account details.
8. What should a farmer do if they don’t receive the installment?
Answer: Farmers should contact their local agricultural office or the helpline number provided on the PM-KISAN portal for assistance.
9. Are institutional landholders eligible for the scheme?
Answer: No, institutional landholders are not eligible for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
10. Can multiple members of the same family apply for the scheme?
Answer: No, only one member from a family holding cultivable land can apply for the scheme.
11. What happens if there is an error in the application form?
Answer: Farmers can correct the errors in their application form by logging into the PM-KISAN portal and updating the necessary information.
12. Is there any deadline for applying to the scheme?
Answer: There is no specific deadline, but farmers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to start receiving the benefits.
13. Can farmers update their bank details if they change their bank account?
Answer: Yes, farmers can update their bank details by logging into the PM-KISAN portal and providing the new bank account information.
14. Are farmers required to renew their application every year?
Answer: No, once registered, farmers do not need to renew their application annually. The installments will continue as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
15. How does the government verify the eligibility of farmers?
Answer: The eligibility is verified based on the land records provided by the state government and the Aadhaar number linked to the bank account.
16. What should farmers do if their names are not included in the beneficiary list?
Answer: Farmers should contact their local agricultural office or check the PM-KISAN portal for more information on how to resolve the issue.
17. Can farmers from all states in India apply for the scheme?
Answer: Yes, farmers from all states and union territories in India can apply for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
18. Are there any charges for applying to the scheme?
Answer: No, there are no charges for applying to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
19. What should farmers do if they face technical issues while applying online?
Answer: Farmers should contact the helpline number provided on the PM-KISAN portal or visit their local agricultural office for assistance.
20. Is there any helpline number for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Answer: Yes, the helpline number is provided on the official PM-KISAN portal, and farmers can call for any assistance related to the scheme.