Current Context: On 31 July 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the PM-KISAN Scheme for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The total approved financial outlay is approximately ₹3.15 lakh crore, eligible landholding farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year.
- The amount is paid in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer.
- The money helps farmers meet expenses related to seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, pesticides and other agricultural inputs.
- Eligibility is based mainly on land records maintained by state and Union Territory governments.
- Institutional landholders, income-tax payers, constitutional post holders and certain government employees and professionals are excluded.
- Aadhaar authentication, e-KYC, bank-account verification and digital land records are used to identify beneficiaries.
- The scheme promotes financial inclusion by transferring money directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
- Its continuation will provide predictable income support and improve cash flow for farming households.
- The scheme may also reduce farmers’ dependence on informal lenders charging high interest rates.
- Major challenges include outdated land records, Aadhaar mismatches, incomplete e-KYC and incorrect bank details.
- Tenant farmers, sharecroppers and landless agricultural labourers may remain excluded because the scheme is linked to land ownership.
Question:
Q1.Under the extended PM-KISAN Scheme, how is the annual financial assistance of ₹6,000 provided to eligible farmer families?a) In one annual instalment of ₹6,000
b) In two instalments of ₹3,000 each
c) In three instalments of ₹2,000 each
d) In six instalments of ₹1,000 each
Answer: c) Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 annually through Direct Benefit Transfer. The amount is credited directly to their bank accounts in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each. The recent Cabinet decision extended the scheme for five years but did not increase the annual benefit.
