PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana 2025: Launched in 2019 by the Government of India, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) has rapidly become one of the largest direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes for Indian farmers.
The program’s primary objective is to supplement the financial needs of small and marginal farmers by providing them with direct financial support of ₹6,000 per year, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000.
As of mid-2025, the scheme is in its seventh year and is preparing to deposit its 20th installment, eagerly awaited by nearly 10 crore (100 million) eligible farmers across the country.
eligibility criteria, enrollment, installment status checks, tips for troubleshooting common issues, the expected timeline for the 20th installment, how the scheme is transforming rural India, and what you should do if you face problems receiving your benefits.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2019 |
| Scheme Type | Direct benefit transfer to farmers |
| Benefit Amount | ₹6,000 per year, in three installments of ₹2,000 each |
| Transfers | Directly to registered bank accounts |
| Installment No. | 20th installment expected in July 2025 |
| Official Website | pmkisan.gov.in |
| Number of Beneficiaries | Approx. 9.8 crore (98 million) farmers (2025 estimate) |
| Annual Budget | ₹75,000 crore+ (as per 2025 Union Budget estimate) |
| Key Objectives | Support agricultural income, cover input costs, reduce rural debt |
The PM-KISAN scheme is a lifeline for millions of small and marginal farming families. By directly transferring funds, the government aims to bypass traditional bureaucracy and reduce the risk of leakages.
Each installment is credited in April–July, August–November, and December–March, aligning with key agricultural cycles.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Indian agricultural sector employs over 50% of the workforce but contributes only about 15–18% to the GDP. Most farmers operate on small plots, often less than two hectares, and face chronic economic uncertainty.
Input costs (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, machinery) have risen sharply, while climate change and volatile markets add further risk.
PM-KISAN directly addresses this vulnerability by providing predictable, periodic cash support.
The scheme’s benefits are most significant for marginal and land-owning farmers who lack access to formal credit.
The ₹6,000 annual grant, while modest compared to average farming expenses, is a critical safety net—helping farmers meet short-term needs without resorting to expensive informal loans.
Impact at a Glance:
- ₹6,000 per household per year
- Three cycles of direct transfer per annum
- No bank or agent as a middleman
- Aadhaar-linked transparency ensures tracking and accountability
Who Is Eligible for PM-Kisan? (Key Eligibility Criteria)
The scheme is open to all “landholding farmer families” across India. Here’s a breakdown of eligibility and exclusion criteria:
| Eligibility Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Farmer Family Definition | Husband, wife, and minor children owning cultivable land |
| Landholding | Must have cultivable land; no minimum area specified, but land records must be clear |
| Registration | Applicant must be registered with local authorities (revenue records) |
| Aadhaar Card | Mandatory for identity verification |
| Bank Account | Must be linked to Aadhaar and have correct details |
| Exclusions | Income tax payers, institutional landholders, retired govt. employees, professionals |
Key Point:
The scheme is not a universal basic income for all farmers. Landless laborers and tenant farmers are excluded. Only those with land ownership (as per official records) are eligible.
How to Check Your PM Kisan Beneficiary Status
One of the most common queries is: “How do I check if I am getting the PM-Kisan installment?” Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your status online:
Step-by-Step Status Check
- Go to the official website: pmkisan.gov.in
- Navigate to ‘Farmers Corner’ on the homepage
- Click on ‘Beneficiary Status’
- Enter your Aadhaar number, bank account number, or registration number
- Click ‘Get Data’
The portal will display your status—whether you are receiving installments, if there is a pending issue, or if your application is rejected.
If your status is ‘Pending’ or you have not received any installment, check the following:
- Is your Aadhaar linked to your bank account?
- Are your land records up to date? (Any discrepancy will delay payment)
- Have you completed e-KYC? (This is now mandatory for all beneficiaries)
- Are your bank details correct? (Name as per Aadhaar, correct IFSC, no spelling errors)
Pro Tip:
If you face issues, visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or contact the PM Kisan Helpline for assistance.
How to Register for PM-Kisan (New Enrollment Process)
If you are an eligible farmer and not yet enrolled, here’s how to apply:
Step-by-Step Enrollment
- Visit the official website: pmkisan.gov.in
- Go to ‘Farmers Corner’ > ‘New Farmer Registration’
- Enter your Aadhaar number, state, mobile number, and bank details
- Submit land records and other documents as requested
- Complete OTP verification (sent to your registered mobile)
- Download your acknowledgement slip for future reference
Note: The entire process is free. You do not need to pay any agent or middleman. Applications are processed by local revenue authorities, and eligible beneficiaries are added to the PM-KISAN database for installment transfers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite its scale and success, many farmers face delays or rejections. Here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Payment not received | Check beneficiary status online; ensure e-KYC and Aadhaar-bank link is complete |
| Name mismatch | Update name spelling in bank records and Aadhaar |
| Incorrect bank details | Correct IFSC, account number via CSC or portal |
| Land record discrepancy | Visit local revenue office to update/correct land records |
| Application rejected | Reapply with correct documents; follow up with local authorities |
| No Aadhaar linkage | Complete Aadhaar seeding at bank branch or CSC |
If unresolved, call the PM-KISAN helpline: 155261 (toll-free) or 1800115526.
Impact and Future of PM-KISAN
Since its launch, PM-KISAN has disbursed over ₹2.4 lakh crore (₹2.4 trillion) to Indian farmers. The scheme is credited with:
- Boosting rural consumption during economic downturns
- Reducing distress sales of crops
- Supporting input purchases (seeds, fertilizer, equipment)
- Providing a safety net against crop failures and price volatility
Government data shows that the scheme has reached over 90% of target beneficiaries, making it one of the largest DBT programs globally.
Future Enhancements:
There is ongoing discussion about expanding the scheme to include tenant farmers and landless laborers, but no official announcement has been made.
The government is also focusing on improving the grievance redressal mechanism and reducing payment delays through better Aadhaar and bank account integration.
How to Stay Updated
- Regularly check the PM-KISAN portal: pmkisan.gov.in
- Enable SMS alerts on your registered mobile number
- Visit your local CSC for application support and updates
- Follow the Ministry of Agriculture’s official channels for announcements
Success Stories and Testimonials
Across India, PM-KISAN has brought tangible relief to farming families.
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu, beneficiaries report using the funds for agricultural inputs, children’s education, healthcare, and even small investments in dairy or poultry.
The predictability of the support is especially valued during lean seasons or after poor harvests.
Case Study:
A small farmer in Maharashtra used his PM-KISAN installments to buy drought-resistant seeds, resulting in a 20% increase in yield despite low rainfall. In Punjab, a woman farmer invested her installments in a small goat-rearing business, supplementing her family’s income.
Criticisms and Challenges
No scheme is perfect. PM-KISAN faces criticism for:
- Excluding landless and tenant farmers (who are often the poorest)
- Payment delays due to bureaucratic hurdles
- Errors in beneficiary lists (sometimes due to outdated land records)
- Lack of awareness in remote areas
The government has acknowledged these issues and is working on reforms, including better outreach and faster grievance resolution.
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a landmark initiative in India’s efforts to strengthen its agricultural economy and support its most vulnerable citizens. With the 20th installment set to reach crores of eligible farmers in 2025, the scheme’s impact on rural livelihoods is undeniable.
If you are an eligible farmer, ensure your documents are in order, complete e-KYC, and regularly check your status. If you face issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from local authorities or the PM-KISAN helpline.
For the nation, PM-KISAN is more than cash transfers—it is a statement of solidarity with those who feed the country.
As the scheme evolves, it has the potential to become even more inclusive and impactful, shaping the future of Indian agriculture for generations to come.
Q: When will the 20th PM-Kisan installment be released?
A: The 20th installment is expected in July 2025 (official announcement pending). Historically, each installment is released within four months, but administrative delays can occur. Check the PM-KISAN portal or your registered mobile for SMS updates.
Q: Why is my installment delayed?
A: Common reasons include incomplete e-KYC, mismatched Aadhaar-bank details, outdated land records, or errors in application data. Visit your CSC or contact the helpline to resolve these issues.
Q: Can landless farmers or tenant farmers apply for PM-KISAN?
A: No. Only cultivable land-owning families are eligible. Landless laborers and tenant farmers are not covered under the current scheme.
Q: What if my name is not in the beneficiary list?
A: If you are eligible but your name is missing, re-apply online and contact your local revenue office (Patwari/Tehsildar). Ensure all documents match official records.
