PM Kisan 22nd Installment to Benefit Over 9 Crore Farmers
On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme from Guwahati, Assam. This initiative will see over ₹18,640 crore transferred directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.32 crore farmer families across India.
The PM Kisan scheme, initiated in February 2019, aims to provide financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families in three equal installments. With this latest installment, the total amount disbursed under the scheme will surpass ₹4.27 lakh crore, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to support the agricultural sector.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a prominent figure in the government, emphasized the importance of this financial aid, stating, “This timely assistance helps farmers purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.” He further noted that over 2.15 crore women farmers will benefit from this installment, highlighting the scheme’s focus on empowering women in agriculture.
The PM Kisan scheme has been credited with boosting demand in the rural economy and reducing farmers’ dependence on debt. Chouhan remarked, “The PM-KISAN scheme has boosted demand in the rural economy, reduced farmer’s dependence on debt, and encouraged agricultural investment.” This reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring their financial stability.
In an effort to streamline the process, farmers can complete their e-KYC from home using a face-authentication-based mobile app. Additionally, the ‘Know Your Status (KYS)’ module allows beneficiaries to check their payment status and eligibility, ensuring transparency and accessibility in the scheme’s operations.
The PM-KISAN scheme operates through India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, which has been designed to maintain transparency and efficiency. The government has also introduced a ‘Voluntary Surrender’ facility for affluent farmers, ensuring that the benefits reach only genuine and eligible farmers. A robust verification system is in place to remove ineligible or deceased beneficiaries from the list, further enhancing the integrity of the program.
As the agricultural landscape evolves, the government continues to adapt its strategies to meet the needs of farmers. The AI-based voice chatbot ‘Kisan-eMitra’ provides information related to PM-KISAN in 11 regional languages, making it easier for farmers to access crucial information. Observers expect that this installment will further solidify the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, although details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional measures that may accompany this release.