Hon'ble Prime Minister to Release 17th installment of PM Kisan Yojana

Hon'ble Prime Minister to release 17th installment of PM Kisan Yojana on 18th June 2024

Hon'ble Prime Minister to Release 17th installment of PM Kisan Yojana

On 18th June 2024, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India will release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, marking another important milestone in the Government's continued effort to support the farming community of the country. This installment reaffirms the Government's commitment to uplift the rural economy by directly reaching financial assistance to farmers, thereby aiding them in their agricultural activities and overall well-being.

Understanding PM-KISAN Yojana

 

Launched on 1st December 2018, the PM-KISAN Yojana aims to provide income support to all landholding farmer families across the country, so that they can take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as household needs. Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three equal installments. Rs 2,000 will be credited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries every four months.

 

Objectives of PM-KISAN

 

1. Financial Assistance: To provide financial assistance to farmers to meet the expenses of agriculture and allied activities.

2. Poverty Alleviation: To reduce poverty among small and marginal farmers by ensuring a minimum assured income.

3. Inclusive Growth: To promote inclusive growth by supporting the livelihoods of farmers, who form a significant part of the Indian population.

4. Economic Stability: To stabilize farmers’ incomes and reduce the risks associated with farming, thereby promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

Initially, the scheme was for small and marginal farmers holding land up to 2 hectares. However, from June 2019, the scope was extended to include all farmer families, except institutional landholders and farmer families whose one or more members belong to specific professional categories such as doctors, engineers, and retired government servants, etc.

 

Implementation and Impact

 

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the state governments. The data of beneficiaries is uploaded on the PM-KISAN portal by the respective State/UT governments, and payments are made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.

 

As of June 2024, PM-KISAN has benefited more than 11 crore farmers across the country, disbursing more than Rs 2 lakh crore directly into their bank accounts. It has contributed significantly to the socio-economic empowerment of farmers, helping them in various agricultural and household activities.

 

Hon'ble Prime Minister to Release 17th installment of PM Kisan Yojana?

On 18th June 2024, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India will release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana.

Understanding PM-KISAN Yojana?

Launched on 1st December 2018, the PM-KISAN Yojana aims to provide income support to all landholding farmer families across the country, so that they can take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as household needs. Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three equal installments. Rs 2,000 will be credited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries every four months.

PM-KISAN Yojana Eligibility Criteria?

Initially, the scheme was for small and marginal farmers holding land up to 2 hectares. However, from June 2019, the scope was extended to include all farmer families, except institutional landholders and farmer families whose one or more members belong to specific professional categories such as doctors, engineers, and retired government servants, etc.

Importance of 17th instalment

 

The 17th instalment, to be released on June 18, 2024, comes at a crucial time. As farmers are preparing for the Kharif crop season, which usually begins with the onset of monsoon in June, this financial assistance will play a vital role in buying seeds, fertilisers and other essential inputs. Moreover, it ensures that farmers can feed their families during the pre-harvest and pre-sale period.

 

Economic Implications

 

1. Boosting the Rural Economy: Direct flow of money into the rural economy will boost purchasing power, thereby increasing demand for various goods and services.

2. Agricultural Productivity: By providing timely financial assistance, the scheme ensures that farmers are able to invest in quality inputs, leading to better crop yield and overall agricultural productivity.

3. Reduction in Debt Burden: With assured income support, farmers are less likely to fall into the trap of high-interest loans from informal sources, thereby reducing their debt burden.

 

Social Implications

 

1. Enhanced Livelihoods: Financial assistance improves the livelihoods of farming families, ensuring better nutrition, health and education for their children.

2. Empowerment of Women Farmers: The scheme also empowers women farmers, who often play a vital role in agricultural activities but have less access to financial resources.

3. Community Well-being: The overall well-being of rural communities increases as the scheme promotes a sense of financial security and stability.

 

 Challenges and Way Forward

 

Despite its success, the PM-KISAN scheme faces several challenges that need to be addressed to maximize its impact.

 

Challenges

 

1. Identification of Beneficiaries: Ensuring that all eligible farmers are identified and enrolled in the scheme remains a significant challenge, especially in remote areas.

 2. Delay in Disbursement: Delay in disbursement of funds can disrupt the planning and investment cycle of farmers, especially during crucial agricultural seasons.

3. Awareness and access: Not all farmers are aware of the scheme or do not have easy access to the banking facilities required to receive payments.

 

Solutions

Better data management: Leveraging technology for better data management and ensuring accuracy in beneficiary identification can help eliminate discrepancies and inclusion errors.

Timely disbursement: Strengthening administrative processes to ensure timely disbursement of funds will help farmers plan their agricultural activities and execute them more effectively.

Awareness campaign: Conducting extensive awareness campaigns and facilitating access to banking services, especially in remote areas, will ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every eligible farmer.

 

Government initiatives to strengthen PM-KISAN

The government has been proactive in addressing these challenges and strengthening the PM-KISAN scheme through various initiatives:

 

Integration with Digital India

Integrating PM-KISAN with the Digital India initiative has enabled seamless data management and real-time monitoring of the scheme’s implementation. The use of technology in beneficiary identification and fund disbursement has significantly reduced errors and delays, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients promptly.

Collaboration with States

Collaboration with state governments is critical for the successful implementation of PM-KISAN Yojana. The central government is working closely with the state governments to ensure accurate data collection, validation, and timely fund disbursement. Regular review meetings and workshops are held to address issues and improve coordination between the central and state authorities.

 

Financial Inclusion

Promoting financial inclusion is a key aspect of the PM-KISAN Yojana. The government is working towards ensuring that every farmer gets access to banking facilities. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) have played a key role in bringing the unbanked population into the formal banking system, helping them receive benefits directly into their bank accounts.

 

Capacity Building and Training

Capacity building and training programs are organized for government officials and field functionaries to enhance their understanding of the scheme and its implementation processes. This ensures that the scheme is implemented efficiently and effectively at the grassroots level. 

Success Stories at the Grassroots

The PM-KISAN scheme has impacted the lives of millions of farmers across India, bringing positive changes to their socio-economic status. Here are some success stories that highlight the impact of the scheme:

The story of Ramesh, a farmer from Maharashtra

Ramesh, a small farmer from a remote village in Maharashtra, used to struggle to make ends meet with his meagre income from farming. The PM-KISAN scheme has proved to be a game-changer for him. With the financial support he received through the scheme, Ramesh was able to invest in high-quality seeds and fertilizers, which significantly increased his crop yield. The additional income not only helped him improve his family’s standard of living but also helped him save for the future.

The story of Lakshmi, a woman farmer from Tamil Nadu

Lakshmi, a woman farmer from Tamil Nadu, faced several challenges in sustaining her family’s livelihood through farming. PM-KISAN Yojana has provided her with the much-needed financial support. With the assistance, Lakshmi was able to invest in better farm equipment and expand her farming activities. The scheme has empowered her financially and given her the confidence to realize her dream of a better future for her children.

 

Story of Harish, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh

Harish, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, was on the verge of quitting farming due to mounting debt and lack of resources. PM-KISAN Yojana came as a lifesaver for him. The financial support received through this scheme helped Harish repay his debts and invest in his farm. Today, he is a proud and prosperous farmer, contributing to the agricultural growth of his village.

 Future Prospects and Expansion

As the Hon’ble Prime Minister prepares to release the 17th installment of PM-KISAN Yojana, it is an opportune moment to consider the future prospects and possible expansion of this transformational initiative. The government is continuously working to increase the reach and impact of the scheme, and several forward-looking strategies are being considered.

Expansion to include tenant farmers and sharecroppers

One of the key areas of focus is to extend the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme to tenant farmers and sharecroppers. These groups form a significant part of the agricultural workforce, but often do not own the land they cultivate. By including them in the scheme, the government can ensure that financial assistance reaches a wider base of the agricultural community, thereby boosting farmers' incomes.

Integration with other agriculture schemes

The PM-KISAN scheme can be further strengthened by integrating it with other government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for crop insurance, Soil Health Card Scheme for soil fertility management and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) for irrigation can be integrated with PM-KISAN. This holistic approach will provide comprehensive support to farmers, addressing multiple aspects of agricultural development.

Leveraging technology for improved delivery

The use of advanced technology can significantly enhance the delivery and impact of the PM-KISAN scheme. Initiatives such as the development of a robust mobile application for farmers to access scheme-related information, register complaints and track payments can improve transparency and efficiency. Additionally, the adoption of blockchain technology for secure and tamper-proof transaction records can ensure greater trust and reliability in the implementation of the scheme.

Encouraging Sustainable Agricultural Practices

To promote sustainable agricultural practices, the PM-KISAN scheme can be linked to incentives for farmers who adopt environmentally friendly methods such as organic farming, water conservation techniques and crop diversification. By encouraging sustainable practices, the scheme can contribute to long-term agricultural productivity and environmental protection.

Focus on Capacity Building and Training

Continuous capacity building and training programmes for farmers are essential to maximize the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme. These programmes can provide farmers with information on modern agricultural techniques, efficient resource management and market trends. Enhanced skills and knowledge will enable farmers to better utilise the financial assistance provided under the scheme.

Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation

A strong monitoring and evaluation framework is critical to assess the effectiveness of the PM-KISAN scheme and identify areas for improvement. Regular impact assessments, beneficiary feedback mechanisms and third-party evaluations can provide valuable insights into the performance of the scheme. This data-driven approach will help make informed policy decisions and ensure that the scheme continues to meet the emerging needs of farmers.

Increasing awareness and outreach

Despite the widespread implementation of PM-KISAN Yojana, there is still a need for greater awareness and outreach, especially in remote and marginalized communities. The government can leverage various communication channels such as mass media, social media, and community radio to disseminate information about the scheme. Collaborating with local NGOs and farmer organizations can also help reach the grassroots.

Way forward

The release of the 17th instalment of PM-KISAN Yojana on 18 June 2024 is a testimony to the government’s unwavering commitment to support the agriculture sector and ensure the welfare of farmers. As the scheme progresses, it will be imperative to build on the successes achieved so far and address the challenges that lie ahead.

Strengthening farmer welfare

The welfare of farmers remains at the core of PM-KISAN Yojana. Ensuring timely disbursement of funds, expanding coverage to include more categories of farmers and constantly improving the delivery mechanism will be the key to achieving the scheme’s objectives. By providing a stable and reliable source of income, the scheme can significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of life of farmers and their families.

Promoting agricultural innovation

Innovation in agriculture is crucial to enhance productivity and sustainability. The government can promote agricultural research and development, encourage adoption of new technologies and support startups in the agri-tech sector. By promoting a culture of innovation, the PM-KISAN scheme can help farmers access cutting-edge solutions that address their challenges and improve their productivity.

 

Enhancing market access

Access to markets is a key factor in the economic well-being of farmers. The government can work towards improving infrastructure such as rural roads and storage facilities to facilitate better market access. Additionally, promoting e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer sales models can help farmers get better prices for their produce and reduce their dependence on middlemen.

Building resilience to climate change

Climate change is a major threat to agriculture, with erratic weather patterns and extreme events affecting crop yields. The PM-KISAN scheme can incorporate measures to build resilience to climate change by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, providing access to weather forecasting services, and supporting crop insurance schemes. These measures will help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions and protect their livelihoods.

 

Conclusion

The 17th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, which will be released on June 18, 2024, is a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s vision of a prosperous and self-reliant rural India. The scheme has already made a profound impact on the lives of millions of farmers, providing them financial support and stability. As the scheme continues to evolve, it is essential to focus on expanding its reach, enhancing its delivery mechanism, and addressing the challenges faced by farmers.

 

By integrating PM-KISAN Yojana with other agriculture initiatives, leveraging technology, and promoting sustainable practices, the government can ensure that the benefits of the scheme are maximized. Continuous capacity building, robust monitoring and evaluation, and effective outreach efforts will further strengthen the impact of the scheme.

 

PM-KISAN Yojana is not just a financial assistance program; it is a testimony to the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of farmers. As we look to the future, the scheme will continue to play a vital role in transforming the agriculture sector, ensuring food security, and driving the country’s overall economic growth. The release of the 17th instalment is another milestone in this journey, reaffirming the government’s dedication to building a resilient and prosperous farming community in India.