Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 24 February 2025 in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Over 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore women, have received direct financial assistance exceeding ₹22,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Since its launch in February 2019, PM-KISAN has provided ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal instalments. The scheme has disbursed over ₹3.46 lakh crore in 18 instalments, ensuring financial support without middlemen. The last instalment, released in October 2024, benefited 9.4 crore farmers with ₹20,000 crore.
To enhance transparency, a farmer-centric digital infrastructure has been developed, including a mobile app with features like face-authentication-based e-KYC. Over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) assist with registrations and grievances. An AI chatbot, Kisan-eMitra, launched in 2023, offers instant support in local languages.
A saturation drive under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in November 2023 added over 1 crore new beneficiaries, with 25 lakh more included within the first 100 days of the government formed in June 2024. Uttar Pradesh had the highest beneficiaries in the 18th instalment, followed by Bihar.
An independent study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) found that PM-KISAN funds boosted rural economic growth, improved credit access, and increased agricultural investments. The scheme continues to play a crucial role in supporting farmers and strengthening rural development.
