PM-KISAN gets FY31 extension with Rs 3.15 lakh crore allocation

The Union Cabinet, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a financial outlay of Rs 3.15 lakh crore.

The scheme provides income support to eligible farmer families through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, with financial assistance transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN provides eligible landholding farmer families with Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments. The scheme uses Aadhaar authentication, digital verification and the DBT system to transfer funds directly to beneficiaries.

According to the government, more than Rs 4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts through 23 instalments under the scheme. Under the 23rd instalment, more than 9.49 crore farmers benefited, with over Rs 18,984 crore released.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than Rs 1.71 lakh crore was disbursed under the scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers.

Women farmers have received more than Rs 1.06 lakh crore under PM-KISAN, and nearly one out of every four beneficiaries is a woman farmer.

The government said the financial assistance has enabled farmers to make timely investments in seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, agricultural machinery and other agricultural requirements. It said the scheme has also helped reduce dependence on informal credit and strengthened the financial stability of rural households.

The impact of the scheme has been assessed by various independent institutions. According to an evaluation conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog, more than 92 per cent of beneficiaries reported that they used the assistance for agricultural activities and agricultural investment.

The evaluation also found that approximately 85 per cent of beneficiaries reported an improvement in agricultural income and a reduction in dependence on informal credit.

The government said that during the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26, foodgrain production recorded significant growth. During this period, the area under cultivation increased by approximately 9.65 per cent, productivity rose by approximately 10.53 per cent, and total foodgrain production increased by approximately 21.18 per cent.

The government said PM-KISAN is an example of the use of Digital India through Aadhaar-based authentication, digital beneficiary verification and the DBT system, ensuring that financial assistance reaches eligible farmers directly.

It said the continuation of the scheme is expected to enhance farmers’ capacity to invest in agriculture, improve productivity, help reduce agricultural risks and strengthen the rural economy.

The government said PM-KISAN remains a key part of its farmer-centric policies and is aimed at empowering crores of the country’s food producers while strengthening their role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.