Next steps for PM-KISAN

• PM-KISAN, launched in December 2018, provides yearly income support of ₹6,000 to eligible farmer families in three instalments.

• Originally intended for small and marginal farmers, it was extended to all landowners after the National Democratic Alliance retained power in May 2019.

• The scheme was expected to cost ₹87,217.5 crore for 2019-20 with a total number of beneficiaries around 14.5 crore.

• Over the last six years, the amount disbursed has not exceeded ₹70,000 crore or the number of beneficiaries hit the 14.5-crore mark.

• The expenditure on account of disbursal ranged from around ₹49,000 crore to ₹61,000 crore.

• The year-on-year growth rate for 2020-21 was close to 25%, while it moderated to around 10% next year.

• The absolute figure of payout was the highest in 2021-22 (around ₹67,150 crore).

• With tightening coverage, the annual aggregate amount disbursed began going down and saw a 13% dip in 2022-23.

• The government has made 18 payments since the scheme’s inception, with the last payment made in October 2024.

• A “major saturation drive” commenced on November 15, 2023, to include more than 1 crore farmers.

• The total number of beneficiaries at the time of the 18th payout was approximately 9.59 crore.

• Farmers have been demanding a hike in the annual payout. The government should incentivize those who efficiently use water, electricity, and other inputs during production.