The government has disbursed over Rs 18,640 crore under the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme this month, extending direct financial support to more than 9.32 crore farmers across the country, including beneficiaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Official data released on Thursday showed that among the total beneficiaries, over 2.15 crore are women farmers, reflecting the scheme’s expanding outreach across diverse agricultural communities. With the latest transfer, the cumulative disbursement under the scheme has crossed Rs 4.27 lakh crore since its launch in 2019.
The scheme operates through Aadhaar-based authentication and digitised land records, enabling direct benefit transfer to verified farmer accounts. Authorities said this mechanism has improved transparency and ensured timely delivery of financial assistance without intermediaries.
The PM-KISAN initiative is designed to provide income support to landholding farmer families, with each eligible household receiving Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments. The assistance is credited directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, supporting farmers in meeting agricultural expenses and sustaining their livelihoods.
The Union Budget for 2026–27 has allocated Rs 60,000 crore for the scheme, underlining its continued importance in the government’s approach to strengthening farm incomes.
Independent assessments by organisations such as the International Food Policy Research Institute and NITI Aayog have indicated that the scheme has contributed to increased agricultural income and reduced dependence on informal sources of credit among farmers.
Across regions, beneficiaries have used the financial support to invest in inputs, improve productivity and diversify cropping patterns. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the scheme has provided critical support to local farmers operating in geographically challenging conditions.
Anil Haldar, a farmer from Durgapur in the Islands, used the assistance received under the scheme to initiate watermelon cultivation. The funds enabled him to purchase essential agricultural inputs, helping him expand his farming activities and diversify crop production.
Similar experiences have been reported from other parts of the country. In Jammu and Kashmir, farmer Deepak Singh Negi has utilised the assistance to procure seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, contributing to improved crop yield and quality.
In Kerala, a woman farmer from Edakkara highlighted that timely financial support under the scheme has helped strengthen farming practices and encouraged continued investment in agriculture.
Officials said the consistent flow of funds through the direct benefit transfer system has enhanced confidence among farmers by ensuring predictable and timely support. The use of digital platforms has also streamlined beneficiary identification and fund distribution.
The PM-KISAN scheme is regarded as one of the largest direct income support programmes globally, covering millions of farmers across rural India. By providing assured financial assistance, it aims to stabilise farm incomes and support agricultural activities throughout the year.
With the latest instalment now credited, authorities are focusing on maintaining coverage and ensuring that eligible farmers, including those in remote regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, continue to benefit from the scheme.
