The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has disbursed more than Rs 4.46 lakh crore to farmers since its launch in 2019, making it one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programmes. The 23rd instalment released on June 20 benefited nearly 9.44 crore farmers, including over 2.18 crore women beneficiaries.
Key Highlights
✅ PM-KISAN has disbursed over Rs 4.46 lakh crore since 2019
✅ Nearly 9.44 crore farmers received the 23rd instalment
✅ Rs 18,880 crore transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts
✅ Rs 60,000 crore allocated for PM-KISAN in Budget 2026-27
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has emerged as one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiatives, with more than Rs 4.46 lakh crore disbursed to eligible farmer families across India since its launch in February 2019.
The latest milestone came with the release of the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district of West Bengal, where nearly 9.44 crore eligible farmers, including more than 2.18 crore women beneficiaries, received direct financial assistance worth around Rs 18,880 crore.
PM-KISAN is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing assured income support to landholding farmer families with cultivable land. Under the programme, eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each directly into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through the DBT mechanism.
According to the official fact sheet, the scheme has significantly strengthened income security for small and marginal farmers by helping them meet agricultural input costs and maintain farming activities without excessive dependence on informal credit sources.
To ensure transparency and efficient delivery, beneficiaries are required to seed their land records on the PM-KISAN portal, link their Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts, and complete e-KYC verification.
Reflecting the government’s continued commitment towards farmer welfare, the Union Budget 2026-27 has earmarked Rs 60,000 crore for the PM-KISAN scheme. The allocation is expected to further strengthen financial support mechanisms for millions of farming families across the country.
The government highlighted that PM-KISAN’s success lies in its robust digital infrastructure, which enables direct transfer of benefits without intermediaries. The scheme has also promoted financial inclusion, with more than 23 per cent of beneficiaries being women farmers, demonstrating its inclusive reach.
Several initiatives have been undertaken to improve coverage and accessibility under the scheme. More than 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to facilitate farmer registration and e-KYC completion.
Special enrollment drives have further expanded the scheme’s reach. During the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, more than 1 crore eligible farmers were added to PM-KISAN. Additionally, over 25 lakh farmers were enrolled under the government’s 100-day initiative.
A special drive conducted in September 2024 helped clear pending self-registration cases, resulting in the inclusion of more than 30 lakh additional farmers under the flagship income support programme.
With continued expansion and digital integration, PM-KISAN remains a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to strengthen rural livelihoods, improve agricultural productivity, and ensure direct financial support reaches farmers efficiently.
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN scheme has transformed income support delivery for farmers through direct benefit transfers, ensuring transparency and timely assistance. With more than Rs 4.46 lakh crore already disbursed and fresh budgetary support allocated, the scheme continues to play a crucial role in improving the financial stability of India’s farming community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PM-KISAN ?
PM-KISAN is a Central Government scheme that provides eligible farmer families with annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 through direct benefit transfers.
How much money has been disbursed under PM-KISAN?
More than Rs 4.46 lakh crore has been disbursed since the scheme’s launch in February 2019.
How many farmers received the 23rd instalment?
Nearly 9.44 crore farmers, including more than 2.18 crore women beneficiaries, received the 23rd instalment.
How much assistance does each farmer receive annually?
Eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 annually in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each.
What is the Budget allocation for PM-KISAN in 2026-27?
The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs 60,000 crore for the PM-KISAN scheme.







