PM Kisan Yojana – Application Process, Eligibility, Features

The PM Kisan Yojana, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), is a pioneering initiative launched by the Government of India to provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

Commencement of PM Kisan Yojana:

The PM Kisan Yojana was officially launched by the Government of India on February 24, 2019. The scheme was introduced with the vision of addressing the financial challenges faced by farmers and providing them with a stable income to support their livelihoods. The launch of this ambitious initiative marked a crucial step towards empowering farmers and transforming the agricultural landscape of the country.

Evolution of PM Kisan Yojana:

Since its inception, PM Kisan Yojana has undergone significant developments and refinements to better serve the farming community. Let’s take a closer look at the key milestones in its evolution:

a. Phase 1: 

The initial phase of the PM Kisan Yojana began on December 1, 2018, and was implemented in select states. Under this phase, eligible farmers were provided direct income support of Rs. 2,000 per quarter.

b. Phase 2: 

The second phase of the scheme commenced on April 1, 2019, extending its coverage to all farmers across India. The financial assistance was increased to Rs. 6,000 per year, disbursed in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.

c. Phase 3: 

The third phase of the PM Kisan Yojana began on August 1, 2019, with the aim of improving the efficiency and transparency of the scheme’s implementation. The government initiated a drive to validate the data of beneficiaries, ensuring that only eligible farmers received the benefits.

d. Expansion: 

In June 2019, the PM Kisan Yojana was expanded to include all categories of farmers, regardless of their landholding size. The scheme now caters to small, marginal, and even large farmers, providing them with much-needed financial assistance.

e. Pruning Exclusions: 

To ensure maximum inclusion and benefit dissemination, the government removed certain exclusions. Earlier, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers were ineligible for the scheme. However, with subsequent revisions, such exclusions were removed, focusing primarily on land ownership and cultivation.

Impact and Benefits of PM Kisan Yojana:

The PM Kisan Yojana has had a transformative impact on the agricultural community in India. Some notable benefits of the scheme include:

a. Financial Security: 

The scheme has provided farmers with a predictable and stable income stream, reducing their dependence on loans and ensuring financial stability.

b. Increased Agricultural Investments: 

With direct income support, farmers have been able to invest in modern agricultural techniques, better seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, thereby boosting productivity and enhancing yields.

c. Improved Standard of Living: 

Financial aid has empowered farmers to meet their family’s educational, healthcare, and household expenses, leading to an overall improvement in their standard of living.

d. Encouragement of Sustainable Farming Practices: 

The scheme promotes the adoption of sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices, including organic farming and efficient use of resources.

Objectives of the PM Kisan Yojana:

The primary objectives of the PM Kisan Yojana are as follows:

a. To provide financial support to farmers for their agricultural activities and livelihood.

b. To ensure a steady income flow to small and marginal farmers.

c. To support farmers in the procurement of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary resources.

d. To encourage farmers to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices.

Eligibility Criteria:

To avail of the benefits of the PM Kisan Yojana, farmers must meet the following eligibility criteria:

a. The applicant should be an Indian citizen.

b. The farmer should own cultivable land.

c. The scheme is applicable to both rural and urban farmers.

d. The landholding should be in the farmer’s name, as recorded in the land records database.

e. Institutional landholders, income tax payees, and professionals such as doctors, engineers, etc., are excluded from the scheme.

Application Process:

To apply for the PM Kisan Yojana, follow these steps:

a. Visit the official website of PM Kisan Yojana.

b. Navigate to the ‘Farmers Corner’ or ‘Registration’ section.

c. Fill in the required details such as Aadhaar number, bank account details, and land records.

d. Submit the application online or through the designated offline channels, such as Common Service Centers (CSCs) or the nearest agriculture department.

e. After verification, the first installment will be directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account.

Important Points to Note:

a. Aadhaar Card: It is mandatory for farmers to link their Aadhaar card with their bank account for availing of the scheme’s benefits.

b. Valid Bank Account: Farmers should have an active and operational bank account in their name to receive financial aid.

c. Timely Updates: Farmers must keep their land records up to date to ensure smooth processing of applications and receipt of benefits.

Future Prospects:

The PM Kisan Yojana continues to evolve to cater to the changing needs of farmers. The government is actively exploring opportunities to integrate technology, promote digital literacy, and streamline the application process to ensure seamless implementation of the scheme.

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