The PM Kisan (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing direct financial support to small and marginal farmers.
Recognizing the importance of agriculture for India’s economy and rural livelihood, the scheme addresses critical issues like insufficient resources for crop production and financial stress among farmers.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: Comprehensive Overview

PM Kisan introduced in February 2019, it provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers. These funds are disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, directly transferred to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
With over 11 crore beneficiaries nationwide, this scheme has significantly improved farmers’ access to critical agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
India’s agricultural sector employs nearly 60% of the rural population, yet a significant percentage of farmers fall under the small and marginal category. It seeks to alleviate financial burdens by offering consistent monetary support to these farmers, especially during crucial sowing seasons.
This initiative also reduces dependency on informal credit systems like local moneylenders, enabling farmers to focus on their agricultural productivity. By directly crediting funds, the government ensures transparency and accountability in fund disbursement.
Objectives of PM Kisan
The scheme serves multiple purposes beyond financial aid:
- Direct Income Support: Provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmer families to manage agricultural needs.
- Debt Mitigation: Reduces reliance on high-interest loans from informal sources.
- Productivity Enhancement: Ensures timely access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs.
- Poverty Alleviation: Contributes to the socio-economic upliftment of small and marginal farmers.
Eligibility for PM Kisan
The scheme targets small and marginal farmers while excluding wealthier groups to focus on those in genuine need:
Eligible Categories:
- Landholding Criteria: Families with up to 2 hectares of cultivable land.
- Farmer Families: Defined as a unit consisting of husband, wife, and minor children.
Ineligible Categories:
- Institutional landholders.
- Current/former holders of constitutional posts.
- Government employees (excluding Multi-Tasking Staff and Class IV workers).
- Individuals paying income tax.
- Professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers practicing independently.
Registration Process for PM Kisan

Steps to Register:
- Online Submission: Farmers can apply via the PM-Kisan Portal.
- Documents Required:
- Aadhaar card.
- Land ownership records.
- Bank account details.
- CSC Assistance: Farmers without internet access can approach Common Service Centers (CSCs) for offline registration.
Upon successful submission, farmers receive an acknowledgment and their application status can be tracked online.
Role of Common Service Centers (CSCs)
For rural beneficiaries, CSCs serve as vital access points, offering services like:
- Registration for the scheme.
- Updating eKYC details.
- Checking payment status.
CSCs bridge the digital gap, ensuring inclusive access to benefits.
Checking PM Kisan Status via Aadhaar Card
Farmers can monitor their payment status using their Aadhaar number on the official portal. This service promotes transparency and provides real-time updates on payment disbursement.
How to Check:
- Go to the “Beneficiary Status” section.
- Enter your Aadhaar or mobile number.
- Click “Get Data” to view the installment history and current status.
Beneficiary Status and Updates
The portal allows users to check their inclusion in the scheme. Beneficiaries can also verify whether their bank details are updated and if their payment has been processed.
PM Kisan Installment Details: Next Installment Date

The scheme disburses funds every four months:
- Installment Months: April, August, and December.
- Upcoming Installment: The 19th installment is expected to be released in February 2025, pending eKYC completion.
State-Specific Implementations: Jharkhand and MP
In states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, it has been tailored to address unique agricultural challenges:
- Jharkhand: Focuses on tribal farmers with additional financial support schemes.
- Madhya Pradesh: Integrates it with state-level subsidies to maximize benefits.
Importance of KYC and eKYC
KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance ensures the authenticity of beneficiaries. To maintain accuracy, eKYC is mandatory, which can be completed online through the portal.
eKYC Process:
- Visit the official website.
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Authenticate via OTP or biometric verification.
This step eliminates fraudulent claims and ensures genuine farmers benefit from the scheme.
PM Kisan Portal: A One-Stop Solution

The Portal provides:
- Instant access to registration and status checks.
- eKYC updates.
- Helpline services for grievance redressal.
This digital infrastructure ensures a seamless user experience for farmers across the country.
Helpline Support
To assist farmers, a dedicated Helpline is available:
- Helpline Number: 155261 or 1800-115-526.
- Email Support: pmkisan-ict@gov.in.
Farmers can use these channels for queries related to registration, installment payments, or updating details.
Achievements and Challenges
Achievements:
- Over ₹2 lakh crore disbursed since the scheme’s inception.
- Benefited 11 crore+ farmers, covering 96% of rural households.
Challenges:
- Delays in installment disbursement due to incomplete eKYC.
- Technical issues in linking Aadhaar with bank accounts.
Last Words
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is a milestone in India’s agricultural policy, empowering small and marginal farmers with direct income support. By addressing key challenges like financial instability and access to quality inputs, the scheme contributes significantly to improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Continuous enhancements like digital integration and state-specific adaptations ensure its success as a transformative tool for India’s farming community.
FAQs
How can I check my PM Kisan installment status?
You can check your installment status online by visiting the Portal. Click on “Beneficiary Status,” enter your Aadhaar or mobile number, and you’ll see the details of your payment status.
What documents are required for PM Kisan registration?
To register for it, you need your Aadhaar card, land ownership documents, and bank account details. These ensure your eligibility and allow for direct benefit transfers.
Is eKYC mandatory for receiving PM Kisan benefits?
Yes, eKYC is mandatory to verify your identity and continue receiving benefits. You can complete eKYC online through the portal or offline at a Common Service Center (CSC).
What should I do if I face issues with my PM Kisan payment?
If you have payment issues, contact the helpline at 155261 or 1800-115-526, or email pmkisan-ict@gov.in for assistance. Ensure your Aadhaar and bank details are correctly updated on the portal.

Nishank is a social impact enthusiast with a solid foundation in public policy, micro-enterprise, and agribusiness. Growing up in a farmer’s family has given him a profound connection to rural communities, fueling his passion to empower people towards self-reliance. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Delhi University and earned a master’s degree in Rural Management from National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in Hyderabad.