💰 Flagship Scheme: PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central government scheme providing direct income support of ₹6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmer families[citation:1][citation:2]. The amount is transferred in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 directly to farmers' bank accounts[citation:2][citation:7].
📊 Scale & Reach
Over 11 crore farmers benefited since 2019 with more than ₹3.24 lakh crore disbursed[citation:6]. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of beneficiaries (over 2.25 crore)[citation:10].
🎯 Key Objective
Supplement financial needs for agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers) and domestic requirements, reducing dependence on high-interest informal credit[citation:2][citation:7].
🔧 How to Apply
Farmers can register online at pmkisan.gov.in or via Common Service Centres (CSCs) with Aadhaar, land records, and bank details[citation:2][citation:7].
Published on: December 23, 2025 | Category: Agriculture, Government Schemes, Current Affairs
A Holistic Support System: Key Government Schemes for Farmers
Beyond direct income support, the government runs several schemes addressing different aspects of agricultural risk, infrastructure, and sustainability[citation:1]. Here are some of the major initiatives:
🌾 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Crop insurance against natural calamities (floods, droughts, hailstorms)[citation:1]. Farmers pay nominal premiums (2% for kharif, 1.5% for rabi crops), with the rest borne by the government[citation:4][citation:6]. Covers over 50 crops[citation:1].
💳 Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Provides affordable short-term credit for seeds, fertilizers, and equipment[citation:1][citation:4]. With timely repayment, effective interest can be as low as 4% per year[citation:1]. Over 7.75 crore active KCC accounts as of March 2024[citation:6].
👵 PM Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana
Pension scheme providing income security for old age[citation:4][citation:9]. Farmers aged 18-40 contribute ₹55-200 monthly and receive a guaranteed ₹3,000 monthly pension after turning 60[citation:4].
💧 PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Promotes efficient "Per Drop More Crop" irrigation through subsidies for drip and sprinkler systems[citation:4][citation:9]. Aims to improve water use efficiency and productivity in water-stressed regions[citation:4].
🌱 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Promotes organic farming through cluster-based approach[citation:1]. Provides ₹31,500 per hectare over three years, with ₹15,000 directly to farmers for organic inputs[citation:1]. Covered 14.99 lakh hectares and 25.3 lakh farmers since 2015-16[citation:1].
☀️ PM-KUSUM Scheme
Promotes solar energy in agriculture with 30-50% subsidies for solar pumps[citation:1][citation:9]. Farmers can also set up solar power plants on unused land and sell electricity to DISCOMs[citation:1].
📚 For UPSC, Agriculture & Rural Development Aspirants
These schemes illustrate crucial themes for competitive exams: agricultural economics, rural welfare, direct benefit transfer (DBT), risk management in farming, and sustainable agriculture.
PYQs Potential Previous Year Questions
- "Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has transformed the delivery of agricultural subsidies in India. Critically examine its impact with reference to schemes like PM-KISAN." (GS-III: Agriculture)
- "Discuss the multi-pronged approach of the Government of India to address agrarian distress, covering aspects of income support, risk mitigation, and infrastructure." (GS-III: Economy)
- "Compare and contrast the PM-KISAN scheme with similar farmer income support schemes implemented by various state governments." (GS-II: Governance)
- Short Note: "The role of technology in modern agricultural schemes: From Soil Health Cards to e-NAM."
Key Note Points for Your Answers
- Shift in Approach: Moves from price support (MSP) and loan waivers to direct cash transfers, reducing market distortion and fiscal burden[citation:10].
- Efficiency of DBT: Eliminates middlemen, ensures full benefit reaches farmer, promotes financial inclusion via bank account linkage[citation:2][citation:7].
- Comparative Analysis: Inspired by Telangana's Rythu Bandhu; differs from Odisha's KALIA (includes landless) and Andhra's Annadatha Sukhibhava[citation:10].
- Limitations: Excludes landless laborers and tenant farmers; amount (₹6,000/year) may be insufficient for major investments[citation:7][citation:10].
- Three-Tiered Safety Net: * Income Risk: Mitigated by PM-KISAN (fixed annual support)[citation:2]. * Production Risk: Addressed by PMFBY (crop insurance)[citation:1][citation:6]. * Market Risk: Reduced by e-NAM (better price discovery) and infrastructure fund (reduced post-harvest losses)[citation:1][citation:9].
- Lifecycle Coverage: KCC for working capital[citation:4]; PM-KUSUM for energy costs[citation:1]; Maan-Dhan for old-age security[citation:4].
- Sustainable Practices: PKVY (organic farming)[citation:1], SHC (scientific fertilizer use)[citation:9], PMKSY (water efficiency)[citation:4] promote long-term ecological balance.
- Inclusion/Exclusion Errors: Dependence on updated land records; challenges for women landowners and those with informal tenure[citation:7].
- Awareness & Last-Mile Delivery: Need for continued outreach, especially for schemes like pension (Maan-Dhan) and solar (KUSUM)[citation:4][citation:9].
- Convergence & Synergy: Potential for better integration (e.g., KCC loan with PMFBY insurance; SHC advice with PKVY)[citation:1].
- Future Focus: Climate-resilient agriculture, digital integration (AgriStack), and strengthening FPOs for collective benefit.
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Conclusion: Towards a Secure and Prosperous Future for Annadata
On National Farmers Day 2025, the comprehensive portfolio of government schemes presents a multi-dimensional approach to agricultural welfare. From the foundational income support of PM-KISAN to the risk-mitigating PMFBY, the credit access through KCC, and the future-oriented PM-KUSUM, these initiatives aim to address the diverse challenges faced by Indian farmers[citation:1][citation:6].
The Road Ahead
The continued success of these schemes hinges on effective last-mile delivery, increased awareness, and adaptive policies that respond to emerging challenges like climate change and market volatility.
A Tribute to Resilience
As we honour former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh and countless farmers, these schemes represent the nation's commitment to ensuring that agriculture remains a viable, secure, and respected profession[citation:1][citation:6].
