The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) is a welfare program launched by the Government of India in 2018 with the aim of providing income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country. The scheme was introduced to supplement the financial needs of farmers for the purchase of various inputs related to agriculture and allied activities, thereby ensuring their holistic growth and development. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.

Understanding PM-Kisan Scheme

Eligibility Criteria

To avail the benefits of the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
– Land Ownership: The scheme is applicable to all landholding farmers’ families irrespective of the size of their landholding.
– Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible for this scheme.
– Income Tax Payers: Farmers who pay income tax are not eligible for the scheme.
– Professional and Institutional Landholders: Serving or retired officers and employees of the Central and State Governments, as well as farmers who have opted for voluntary retirement, are not eligible.

Registration Process

Farmers can register for the PM-Kisan scheme through the following methods:
– Online Registration: Farmers can visit the official PM-Kisan website and enroll themselves by providing the required details such as Aadhaar number, bank account details, and landholding information.
– Common Service Centers (CSCs): Farmers can also visit nearby CSCs to register for the scheme.
– Offline Registration: In the absence of online facilities, farmers can register through the nodal officer appointed by the state government.

Payment Mechanism

The income support of Rs. 6,000 per year is directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible farmers in three equal installments. The first installment is usually credited between April-July, the second installment between August-November, and the third installment between December-March.

Benefits of PM-Kisan Scheme

Financial Stability

The PM-Kisan scheme provides much-needed financial stability to farmers by supplementing their income and helping them meet their agricultural expenses. This, in turn, reduces their dependency on informal sources of credit and prevents them from falling into the debt trap.

Increased Agricultural Productivity

By ensuring timely availability of funds, the PM-Kisan scheme facilitates the purchase of quality inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This, in turn, enhances agricultural productivity and improves crop yield, leading to increased income for farmers.

Inclusive Development

The scheme aims at inclusive development by benefiting all landholding farmers’ families, including small and marginal farmers, who often face financial constraints. By providing direct income support, the scheme ensures that farmers at the grassroots level also have access to financial resources for their agricultural activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I check the status of my PM-Kisan payment?

2. Farmers can check the status of their PM-Kisan payment on the official PM-Kisan website by entering their Aadhaar number, mobile number, or account number.

3. Is there any provision to update my information in the PM-Kisan scheme?

4. Yes, farmers can update their information such as Aadhaar number, bank account details, and landholding information by visiting the nearest CSC or through the online portal.

5. What should I do if I have not received my PM-Kisan installment?

6. In case a farmer has not received a PM-Kisan installment, they should first check the payment status on the official website. If the payment is pending, they can contact the PM-Kisan helpline for assistance.

7. Can tenant farmers avail the benefits of the PM-Kisan scheme?

8. Tenant farmers are not eligible for the PM-Kisan scheme as it is specifically designed for landholding farmers’ families. However, state governments may have separate schemes for tenant farmers.

9. Are there any taxes applicable on the PM-Kisan income support?

10. The income support provided under the PM-Kisan scheme is exempt from income tax. Farmers do not have to pay any taxes on the amount received through this scheme.

In conclusion, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme is a significant step towards ensuring the financial well-being of farmers in India. By providing direct income support, the scheme not only enhances the livelihood of farmers but also contributes to the overall growth of the agricultural sector. It is imperative for eligible farmers to register for the scheme and avail its benefits to achieve sustainable agricultural development.