Rs 20,000 crore is released by PM Modi under PM-KISAN
On October 5, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 18th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, disbursing an impressive Rs 20,000 crore. This financial support aims to benefit more than 9.4 crore farmers across India, reinforcing the government’s commitment to agricultural welfare.
Overview of PM-KISAN Scheme
The PM-KISAN samman nidhi initiative, which was introduced in December 2018, gives landholding farmers an annual financial support of Rs 6,000 in three equal installments. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate rural poverty and enhance the financial stability of farmers. With the release of this 18th installment, the cumulative funds disbursed under the scheme have reached an astounding Rs 3.45 lakh crore, highlighting its significance in supporting the agricultural community.
Financial Assistance in Maharashtra
During his visit to Washim, Maharashtra, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme in the state, where approximately 91.5 lakh farmers have benefited from direct financial assistance amounting to over Rs 1,900 crore. Maharashtra stands out as the second-highest recipient of funds under this initiative, with a total of around Rs 32,000 crore transferred to approximately 1.2 crore farmers across 17 previous installments.
In addition to the PM-KISAN funds, farmers in Maharashtra are set to receive an additional Rs 2,000 crore through the fifth installment of the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana. This dual financial boost comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the upcoming assembly elections in the state, and reflects the government’s focus on farmer welfare.
New Initiatives Launched
During the same event, PM Modi inaugurated several key initiatives aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and celebrating cultural heritage. Among these was the Banjara Virasat Museum, which aims to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Banjara community in Maharashtra.
The Prime Minister also introduced domestic sex-sorted semen technology and the Unified Genomic Chip for livestock. This innovation is designed to enhance the availability of sex-sorted semen at an affordable price, potentially reducing costs by approximately Rs 200 per dose. The introduction of the GAUCHIP for indigenous cattle and MAHISHCHIP for buffaloes is set to improve the genetic quality of livestock through effective genomic selection, allowing farmers to identify high-quality bulls at an early age.
In addition, PM Modi launched five solar parks with a combined 19 MW of capacity as part of the MSKVY 2.0 program, which aims to give farmers access to power throughout the day. He also announced the establishment of 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and distributed awards for 3,000 MW under the KUSUM-C scheme, further enhancing support for farmers.
Future Installments and Enrollment Process
The next installment of the PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme is expected to be released on October 5, 2024, with approximately 9.5 crore farmers set to receive Rs 2,000 each. This ongoing financial support underscores the government’s commitment to providing stability to the farming community.
Through the official PM-KISAN website, farmers can quickly and easily verify their enrollment status as well as their beneficiary status. By providing necessary details such as state, district, and personal information, farmers can confirm their inclusion in the beneficiary list.
Steps to Verify Beneficiary Status
Visit the official PM-KISAN website.
Navigate to the “Beneficiary Status” section.
Enter the information for your bank account or Aadhaar number.
Click “Get Data” to access your status and payment details.
This streamlined process ensures that farmers can monitor the timely crediting of funds into their accounts.
eKYC Process
Completing the eKYC process is essential for beneficiaries to receive payments. Farmers can accomplish this through various methods, including OTP-based verification, biometric authentication at Common Service Centres (CSCs), or face authentication using mobile applications. Each method provides a secure way to verify identity and ensure compliance with scheme requirements.
Context and Goals of PM-KISAN
The PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme aims to provide substantial income support to small and marginal farming households across India, ensuring they can procure essential inputs for agriculture. The program has been designed to alleviate poverty in rural areas and enhance the overall agricultural output.
The government has set ambitious targets to reach full saturation of welfare schemes within six months, aspiring to increase the number of farmer beneficiaries from 8.12 crore to approximately 8.75 crore.
Eligibility Criteria and Exclusions
The PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme is intended for landholding farmers, but certain categories are excluded from receiving benefits. Institutional landholders and families with members in various high-ranking positions, such as former ministers or government employees, are not eligible. This ensures that the support is directed towards those who genuinely need it.
Categories Not Eligible for Benefits
All institutional landholders.
Families with members holding constitutional posts or former members of legislative bodies.
Serving or retired government employees with higher income levels.
Professionals such as doctors, engineers, and architects who earn above the tax threshold.
Significance of the PM-KISAN Scheme
The PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme plays a vital role in enhancing the livelihoods of farmers by providing:
Direct Income Support: The annual financial assistance helps farmers meet their immediate needs and reduces dependence on informal lending.
Poverty Alleviation: By offering a steady income, the scheme aids in reducing rural poverty, particularly where agriculture is the primary source of income.
Rural Development: Financial support stimulates rural economies, promoting small businesses and job creation.
Increased Agricultural Productivity: With access to financial resources, farmers can invest in quality inputs, leading to improved yields and productivity.
Equitable Treatment: The scheme ensures equal treatment of all eligible farmers, regardless of the crops grown or sales made.
Challenges and Issues
Despite its successes, the PM-KISAN scheme faces several challenges that need to be addressed:
Insufficient Reach: There are concerns regarding the scheme’s ability to reach all eligible farmer households, with reports suggesting that some beneficiaries are from relatively better-off farming backgrounds.
Operational Challenges: Issues related to land record reconciliation and digitization can hinder the identification of genuine beneficiaries.
Inadequate Transfers: The scheme’s cash transfers may not adequately address market volatility, leaving some farmers struggling with rising costs.
Exclusion of Vulnerable Groups: While the scheme targets small and marginal farmers, landless laborers and tenant farmers often remain excluded.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance the effectiveness of the PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme, the following measures are recommended:
Enhanced Identification and Inclusion: Efforts should be made to optimize the beneficiary identification process to ensure that all eligible farmers are included.
Strengthening Last-Mile Delivery: Timely disbursement of funds is crucial. Improved coordination with stakeholders and the use of technology can streamline this process.
Refinement of the Scheme: Consideration should be given to providing support based on land size or crop production, similar to other successful state schemes.
Addressing Price Fluctuations: The scheme should adapt to local market conditions by indexing cash transfers to inflation rates to maintain the purchasing power of farmers.
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme represents a significant step toward supporting India’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers. While it has made considerable progress, addressing the existing challenges and refining the implementation process is essential to ensure that it fulfills its intended objectives. By fostering a more inclusive and effective approach, the government can further empower the farming community and contribute to the overall growth of the rural economy.
Release of the 17th PM-KISAN Installment: A New Milestone for Farmers
On June 18, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, a critical initiative aimed at bolstering the livelihoods of farmers across India.
This installment was launched from Varanasi, the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency, and has provided significant financial support to the agricultural community. With approximately 9.26 crore farmers benefiting from this release, the PM-KISAN program continues to be a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to enhancing the economic well-being of farmers nationwide.
The 18th installment, which follows closely behind, is expected to provide aid to over 9.4 crore farmers, further underlining the government’s focus on agricultural development and farmer welfare.
Key Features of the PM-KISAN Scheme
The PM-KISAN scheme, introduced in December 2018, is designed to offer direct financial assistance to landholding farmers, ensuring they receive an annual income of Rs 6,000. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000, providing farmers with timely financial support to meet their agricultural needs. The initiative has played a pivotal role in reducing the financial strain on farmers, especially those from small and marginal farming households.
The release of the 17th installment signifies not just a routine transaction but a commitment to sustain agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the country. With an overarching aim to alleviate poverty and enhance the livelihoods of farmers, the PM-KISAN scheme serves as a critical financial lifeline in a sector often beset by challenges such as fluctuating market prices, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure.
Union Cabinet Approves Comprehensive Schemes for Agricultural Development
In a parallel move to bolster the agricultural sector, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Modi, approved seven major schemes designed to improve the lives and livelihoods of farmers, with a total outlay of Rs 13,966 crore. These initiatives are a testament to the government’s proactive approach in addressing the various challenges faced by farmers and the agricultural community at large.
1. Digital Agriculture Mission
One of the flagship initiatives, the Digital Agriculture Mission, aims to integrate technology into farming practices. With a financial outlay of Rs 2,817 crore, this mission comprises two foundational pillars:
Agri Stack: This will include a farmers registry, village land maps, and a crop sown registry, enabling better data management and planning.
Krishi Decision Support System: This pillar focuses on utilizing geospatial data, monitoring weather patterns, and assessing groundwater availability. It aims to provide farmers with insights into crop yield modeling and insurance, thus enhancing decision-making capabilities.
Additionally, the Digital Agriculture Mission is set to incorporate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, aiming to bridge the gap between farmers and buyers while facilitating access to new knowledge through mobile platforms.
2. Crop Science for Secure Food and Nutrition
This initiative, with an outlay of Rs 3,979 crore, is designed to equip farmers for climate resilience and ensure food security by 2047. The initiative will focus on various pillars, including:
Research and education
Plant genetic resource management
Enhancement of oil seeds, pulses, and crops for food and fodder
Research on insects, microbes, and pollinators
3. Enhancing Social Sciences, Management, and Agricultural Education
With an overall budget of Rs 2,291 crore, this plan intends to equip agriculture students and researchers for the difficulties of modern agriculture. The initiative includes:
Modernizing agricultural research and education in alignment with the New Education Policy 2020
Incorporating technologies such as digital platforms and AI
Promoting natural farming and climate resilience
4. Sustainable Livestock Health and Production
Aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes from livestock and dairy, this initiative has an outlay of Rs 1,702 crore. It focuses on:
Animal health management and veterinary education
Dairy production and technology development
Sustainable development practices for animal nutrition and genetics
5. Sustainable Development of Horticulture
With an allocation of Rs 860 crore, this scheme seeks to increase farmers’ incomes through the promotion of horticultural crops, covering a variety of plants such as tropical, sub-tropical, and medicinal crops.
6. Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras
These centers are pivotal for disseminating agricultural knowledge and practices. An outlay of Rs 1,202 crore is earmarked to strengthen these institutions, ensuring they remain effective resources for farmers.
7. Natural Resource Management
With an outlay of Rs 1,115 crore, this scheme focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring that farmers can continue to cultivate land in an environmentally friendly manner.
Rationalizing Centrally Sponsored Schemes
The government’s decision to streamline all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) under the Ministry of Agriculture into two umbrella schemes—Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)—comes at a crucial juncture. The agricultural sector, despite being vital for the economy, has lagged in growth, employing approximately half of the working population but contributing less than one-fifth to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The new framework aims to promote sustainable agriculture while addressing issues of food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
By consolidating schemes, the government aims to eliminate redundancy, enhance convergence, and provide states with the flexibility to tailor strategies according to their specific agricultural needs. This rationalization is expected to address emerging challenges such as nutrition security, sustainability, climate resilience, and private sector participation.
The Need for Economic Reforms
While initiatives like PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana are critical for farmer support, they must be accompanied by comprehensive economic reforms to transform Indian agriculture. Key reforms should include:
Market Liberalization: Removing restrictions on agricultural markets to create a unified national market would empower farmers with better price realizations while minimizing the role of intermediaries.
Subsidy Rationalization: Revising agricultural subsidies to focus on outcomes and efficiency rather than blanket support is necessary. This would ensure that resources are directed effectively, reducing the fiscal burden on taxpayers.
Investment in Rural Infrastructure: Enhancing infrastructure—particularly in roads, storage, and irrigation—is essential to minimize post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers.
Public-Private Partnerships: Promoting agro-industrial linkages through public-private partnerships is vital for sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
Support for Agri-Tech Startups: Encouraging technology-driven innovations in agriculture, such as precision farming and blockchain solutions, can boost productivity and enhance supply chain transparency.
Addressing Political Challenges
While these reforms have immense potential, their success depends on the political will and consensus among various parties. Currently, state governments often prioritize short-term populist measures, such as farm loan waivers and financial handouts, over substantive agricultural reforms. These measures, while politically advantageous, can divert funds from critical long-term investments necessary for the agricultural sector’s growth.
A political consensus is crucial to curbing the tendency toward competitive populism. Without this understanding, political parties may continue to pursue strategies that prioritize short-term electoral gains, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
A noteworthy achievement in the government’s endeavors to assist farmers is the launch of the 17th edition of the PM-KISAN samman nidhi program. However, this financial assistance must be viewed within the broader context of necessary economic reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. By implementing comprehensive reforms in market structures, subsidy frameworks, and rural infrastructure, and by fostering an environment conducive to innovation and sustainability, the government can unlock the full potential of initiatives like PM-KISAN, PM-RKVY, and Krishonnati Yojana.
In summary, while the PM-KISAN samman nidhi scheme and the newly approved initiatives are crucial steps towards enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, their success hinges on collaborative efforts from all stakeholders involved. Only through a concerted approach that encompasses economic reform, political consensus, and effective execution can the agricultural sector truly thrive, ensuring food security and prosperity for the farmers of India.