Govt Highlights Impact of PM-Kisan on Farm Income, Rural Economy

New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): The Centre has disbursed over ₹4.27 lakh crore to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme through 22 instalments since its launch in February 2019, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmers in three equal instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

During the release of the 21st instalment on November 19, 2025, more than 9.35 crore farmers received financial assistance under the scheme.

According to government data and independent assessments, the scheme has had a positive impact on farmers’ income and the rural economy.

A 2019 study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) found that PM-KISAN support helped ease credit constraints, boost rural economic growth, and encourage higher investment in agricultural inputs. It also enhanced farmers’ ability to take productive risks.

Feedback collected through Kisan Call Centres indicates that over 93 per cent of beneficiaries used the funds for agricultural activities.

An impact evaluation by NITI Aayog’s Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) found that over 92 per cent of beneficiary farmers spent the assistance on essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. Around 85 per cent reported an increase in agricultural income and reduced dependence on informal credit, particularly during crop failures or medical emergencies.

The government said the scheme contributes to broader goals including poverty reduction, food security, and improved transparency.

To improve accessibility, a dedicated ‘Farmers Corner’ on the PM-KISAN portal allows beneficiaries to check payment status and eligibility. Farmers can also access these services through Common Service Centres.

A voice-based AI chatbot, ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, has also been deployed to address queries in 11 languages. The chatbot has handled over 95 lakh queries from more than 53 lakh farmers so far.

The government said Aadhaar authentication is mandatory under the scheme, with payments made directly through Aadhaar-based systems. Regular drives are conducted in coordination with states and agencies to ensure Aadhaar seeding of bank accounts.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.