What is PM-KISAN?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families, paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.
- 2.
The money is directly transferred to the farmer's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and efficiency.
- 3.
All small and marginal farmer families, irrespective of their landholding size, are eligible for the scheme.
- 4.
The scheme is funded entirely by the Central Government.
- 5.
State governments and Union Territories are responsible for identifying the eligible farmer families.
Visual Insights
PM-KISAN Scheme: Beneficiary Enrollment Process
Flowchart illustrating the process of enrolling as a beneficiary under the PM-KISAN scheme.
- 1.Farmer identifies eligibility criteria
- 2.Farmer gathers required documents (land records, Aadhaar, bank details)
- 3.Farmer registers on PM-KISAN portal or through Common Service Centers (CSCs)
- 4.Details are verified by state government
- 5.If verified, farmer is added to beneficiary list
- 6.Installments of ₹2,000 are directly credited to farmer's bank account every 4 months
Recent Real-World Examples
2 examplesIllustrated in 2 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
SKM urges President Murmu to dismiss Goyal over U.S. trade deal
23 Feb 2026The news highlights the vulnerability of farmers to external economic factors, such as trade deals, and internal policy decisions, such as bonus payments. This underscores the importance of schemes like PM-KISAN that provide a safety net for farmers. The SKM's concerns about the trade deal potentially harming farmers' income demonstrate that even with income support schemes in place, farmers' livelihoods remain susceptible to market fluctuations and policy changes. This news reinforces the need for a holistic approach to agricultural development, including income support, market access, and risk mitigation measures. It also highlights the importance of farmer organizations in advocating for policies that protect their interests. Understanding PM-KISAN is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides context for the government's efforts to support farmers' income and the challenges they face in a globalized economy. The news reveals that PM-KISAN, while helpful, is not a complete solution and needs to be complemented by other measures to ensure farmers' long-term prosperity.
Source Topic
SKM urges President Murmu to dismiss Goyal over U.S. trade deal
EconomyUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What is PM-KISAN, and what are its main objectives?
PM-KISAN, or Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, is a government scheme designed to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmer families. The primary objective is to supplement the financial needs of farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields. It also aims to protect them from falling into debt.
Exam Tip
Remember the full form of PM-KISAN and the amount provided per year (₹6,000).
2. How does the PM-KISAN scheme work in practice, and what is the role of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)?
In practice, the PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families, disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months. The money is directly transferred to the farmer's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). DBT ensures that the money reaches the intended beneficiaries directly, reducing corruption and delays. State governments and Union Territories are responsible for identifying eligible farmer families.
Exam Tip