Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated the government’s commitment to farmers by transferring the 20th instalment of the PM KISAN scheme. The massive payout of over ₹20,500 crore reached more than 9.7 crore farmers across India. This marks another milestone for a scheme that has become a lifeline for small and marginal farmers.
The event took place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with the Prime Minister personally overseeing the transfer. Farmers in attendance and those watching from across the country felt the immediate impact. The funds, disbursed just in time for the Kharif sowing season, provide crucial support for seeds, fertilizers, and other farming essentials.
Since its launch in February 2019, the PM KISAN scheme has transformed rural economies by providing direct financial aid. Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, divided into three instalments of ₹2,000. The money is directly transferred to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This method ensures transparency and eliminates middlemen.
Small farmers, who make up over 85% of India’s agricultural workforce, benefit the most. Many rely on these funds to avoid high-interest loans. Haji Gulam Rasool, a farmer from Udhampur, shared his gratitude, explaining how the scheme allows him to purchase necessities without financial strain. Stories like his are common across millions of rural households.
The PM KISAN scheme is not just about financial aid. It leverages India’s digital infrastructure to ensure efficiency. Aadhaar-based e-KYC, real-time land records, and the PM KISAN app streamline registration and payment verification. Since 2023, facial recognition technology has also been introduced to simplify authentication.
Still, challenges persist. Outdated land records and fraudulent claims sometimes hinder smooth distribution. The government has been proactive in implementing stricter verification processes. Initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra have enrolled over 1 crore new farmers, expanding the scheme’s reach.
Beyond the PM KISAN disbursement, the government has also rolled out ₹2,200 crore worth of developmental projects in Varanasi. These include road expansions, railway bridges, and clean water initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Such efforts highlight a broader vision for rural upliftment, where financial aid and infrastructure go hand in hand.
The 20th instalment reaffirms PM KISAN’s role as a cornerstone of India’s agricultural policy. With every payout, the scheme strengthens the backbone of the nation’s farming community. Farmers now look forward to the next instalment, knowing it will help sustain their livelihoods in an increasingly uncertain climate.