Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides financial support of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central government scheme in India aimed at providing financial support to farmers. Launched in December 2018, this scheme is designed to ensure a minimum income for small and marginal farmers across the country.

### Key Features of PM-KISAN:

1. **Direct Income Support**:

   - Eligible farmer families receive an annual financial benefit of ₹6,000.

   - The amount is distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.

2. **Eligibility**:

   - Initially targeted at small and marginal farmers with landholdings up to 2 hectares, the scheme was later expanded to include all farmer families, irrespective of the size of their landholdings.

   - Farmer families include husband, wife, and minor children.

3. **Exclusions**:

   - Institutional landholders.

   - Farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired government employees, and professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers.

   - Income tax payers in the last assessment year are also excluded.

4. **Implementation**:

   - The scheme is fully funded by the Government of India.

   - The benefits are transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure transparency and reduce delays.

5. **Objective**:

   - The primary goal is to supplement the financial needs of the farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields.

   - It aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens on farmers and promote better agricultural practices.

### Benefits of PM-KISAN:

- **Financial Security**: Provides assured income to farmers, reducing their financial stress.

- **Improved Agricultural Productivity**: Helps farmers invest in quality seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs.

- **Poverty Reduction**: Contributes to the upliftment of small and marginal farmers, thereby reducing rural poverty.

- **Rural Development**: Encourages sustainable development in rural areas by enhancing the economic condition of farmers.

### Application Process:

- Farmers can register for the scheme through the PM-KISAN portal or at the Common Service Centers (CSCs).

- Required documents include proof of identity (Aadhaar card), bank account details, and landholding papers.

The PM-KISAN scheme represents a significant step towards improving the livelihoods of farmers in India, ensuring they have the financial resources to sustain and grow their agricultural activities.