Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi: How India’s largest direct benefit transfer scheme is reshaping rural prosperity
- IBEF
- June 24, 2026
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme continues to play a significant role in strengthening income security and financial inclusion among India's farming community. On June 20, 2026, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi released the 23rd instalment of the scheme, transferring more than Rs. 18,880 crore (US$ 1.99 billion) directly into the bank accounts of 9.44 crore farmers, including over 2.18 crore women farmers. Since its launch in February 2019, PM-KISAN has disbursed more than Rs. 4.46 lakh crore (US$ 47.09 billion) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), making it one of the world's largest income support programmes for farmers. Under the scheme, eligible farmer families receive Rs. 6,000 (US$ 63.35) annually in three equal instalments, helping them meet expenses related to seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs. The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs. 60,000 crore (US$ 6.34 billion) for the scheme, ensuring continued support to millions of farming households across the country.
The scheme has evolved beyond income assistance by integrating digital governance, financial inclusion and technology-enabled service delivery. PM-KISAN supports Aadhaar-based authentication, e-KYC verification and digital registration through online portals, Common Service Centres and mobile applications. The Government has also strengthened agricultural support through complementary initiatives, including AgriStack, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the National Mission on Natural Farming and the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. In addition, the AI-powered chatbot Kisan-eMitra, available in multiple Indian languages, provides farmers with real-time information on payments, registrations, eligibility and grievance redressal. Studies have indicated that PM-KISAN has contributed to higher agricultural investment, improved productivity and increased farm incomes, reinforcing its role in promoting inclusive rural development and supporting the transformation of India's agricultural sector through technology-driven governance.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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