The Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme, launched in 2019, continues to provide vital financial support to millions of farmers across India. Under this initiative, eligible farmers are granted Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each. This support, aimed at bolstering the income of small and marginal farmers, is transferred directly to their bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Currently, farmers across India are eagerly waiting for the release of the 20th installment under the PM Kisan scheme. According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to announce the next tranche in a public meeting in Motihari, Bihar, on Friday, July 18, 2025. The 20th installment will continue to benefit over 9.8 crore farmers, maintaining the government’s commitment to rural welfare and agricultural prosperity.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme: Financial Support for Farmers

The PM Kisan scheme provides financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually to farmers. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000. The installments are typically transferred at four-month intervals, with the latest being the 19th installment, which was distributed in February 2025. To date, more than 9.8 crore farmers, including approximately 2.4 crore women, have benefited from this scheme.

The scheme was initially launched to address the financial struggles of small and marginal farmers who often face challenges like rising input costs, poor agricultural output, and limited access to formal credit. By providing direct cash support, the government aims to reduce the burden of farming and improve the living standards of these farmers.

Timeline of PM Kisan Installments

Since its inception in 2019, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has seen multiple installments released to eligible farmers. Here is a summary of the timeline for recent installments:

• 19th installment: Disbursed in February 2025.

• 18th installment: Released in October 2024.

• 17th installment: Transferred in June 2024.

Each installment is delivered directly to farmers’ bank accounts using the DBT method. The funds are split into three cycles during the year: April-July, August-November, and December-March.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan

The PM Kisan scheme is designed to help small and marginal farmers who meet specific eligibility requirements. To qualify for the 20th installment, the following conditions must be met:

1. Indian citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.

2. Cultivable land: The applicant must own cultivable land.

3. Small or marginal farmer: The farmer must fall under the category of small or marginal farmers, as defined by the government.

4. Non-pensioner: The applicant must not be a pensioner receiving Rs 10,000 or more per month.

5. Income tax status: The applicant must not have filed income tax returns.

6. No institutional landholding: The farmer must not be an institutional landholder.

These eligibility criteria are in place to ensure that the financial assistance reaches those farmers who need it the most.

Mandatory e-KYC for PM Kisan

In line with the digital push for transparency and ease of access, the PM Kisan scheme requires farmers to complete their e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. This process is mandatory to ensure that the government can accurately transfer the funds to the right beneficiaries.

Farmers can complete their e-KYC either through an OTP-based system on the PM Kisan Portal or through a biometric-based verification at the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).

How to Check PM Kisan Beneficiary Status

Farmers who have registered for the PM Kisan scheme can easily check their beneficiary status. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the official PM Kisan website: https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on the ‘Know Your Status’ option.

3. Enter your registration number, captcha code, and click on ‘Get Data.’

4. Your beneficiary status will be displayed on the screen.

This simple process helps farmers stay updated on the status of their installment payments.

How to Check Your Name in the PM Kisan Beneficiary List

Farmers who want to check if their name appears in the PM Kisan Beneficiary List can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official PM Kisan website.

2. Click on the ‘Beneficiary List’ option.

3. Select your state, district, sub-district, block, and village.

4. Click on ‘Get Report’ to view the complete list of beneficiaries.

This feature helps farmers ensure that they are part of the list of eligible beneficiaries for the current and upcoming installments.

How to Register for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi

Farmers who are not yet registered under the PM Kisan scheme can apply by following these steps:

1. Visit the official PM Kisan website: https://pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on ‘New Farmer Registration.’

3. Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code.

4. Fill in the required details and click ‘Yes.’

5. Complete the registration form, submit it, and take a printout for future reference.

Farmers should ensure that they provide accurate details to avoid any delays in receiving their installments.

Why is PM Kisan Important for Farmers?

The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme plays a crucial role in improving the financial well-being of farmers. It is part of the government’s larger effort to support the agricultural sector, which has long struggled with issues like low income, poor crop yields, and inadequate access to financial services.

The scheme has been successful in reaching millions of farmers, providing them with a direct cash transfer that can be used for various farming-related expenses, including buying seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs. This cash assistance has helped reduce the financial stress on farmers, especially in rural areas where access to credit is limited.

The Role of Technology in PM Kisan

One of the key factors behind the success of the PM Kisan scheme is the use of technology. Through the DBT system, the government ensures that funds reach farmers directly in their bank accounts, cutting out intermediaries and reducing the chances of corruption.

The online platform also makes it easier for farmers to track their payments, check their beneficiary status, and register for the scheme. With the mandatory e-KYC process, the government is able to ensure that the correct beneficiaries receive the financial assistance, minimizing errors and fraud.

Impact of PM Kisan on Farmers

The impact of PM Kisan on farmers has been substantial. Over 9.8 crore farmers, including millions of women, have received direct financial support under the scheme. By offering financial aid to small and marginal farmers, the government has helped stabilize their income, ensuring they can continue farming without facing crippling debt.

Moreover, the regular installments help farmers plan for the future, as they know they will receive a steady stream of income every four months. This has been particularly important for farmers who face irregular income from agricultural activities.

What’s Next for PM Kisan?

As the 20th installment of PM Kisan is expected to be announced soon, there is growing anticipation among farmers for the financial support. The government continues to evaluate the success of the scheme and its impact on farmers, with an eye on further improvements.

The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has proven to be one of the largest and most successful welfare programs in the world, and it is likely to continue to grow and evolve, benefiting more farmers in the years to come.

For farmers waiting for the 20th installment, it is essential to complete the e-KYC process and ensure that all their details are up to date. With the upcoming release of the 20th installment, the PM Kisan scheme remains a lifeline for millions of farmers across India, helping them thrive in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.

In conclusion, PM Kisan is not just a financial assistance scheme; it is a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and the overall development of the agricultural sector in India. As more installments are released, it will continue to provide much-needed support to India’s farming community.