Cabinet Approves PM-Kisan Extension with ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Outlay for 2026-31
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the PM-Kisan scheme for five more years (2026-27 to 2030-31) with a total outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. This decision reaffirms the government's commitment to farmer welfare and income support, making it a significant policy move for the agriculture sector.
Background
PM-Kisan was launched in February 2019 to provide income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families, transferred in three equal installments via DBT. The scheme has been a flagship program for direct benefit transfer and farmer welfare.
Key facts
The Union Cabinet approved continuation of PM-Kisan scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore.
Under PM-Kisan, eligible landholding farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts.
Over 23 installments, more than ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers' bank accounts.
The 23rd installment benefited over 9.49 crore farmers, with more than ₹18,984 crore released.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, over ₹1.71 lakh crore was distributed to farmers as financial support.
Women farmers have received over ₹1.06 lakh crore under PM-Kisan, and about one in four beneficiaries is a woman.
According to NITI Aayog's DMEO evaluation, over 92% of beneficiaries used the assistance for agricultural activities and investment.
About 85% of beneficiaries confirmed improvement in agricultural income and reduction in dependence on informal credit.
From 2020-21 to 2025-26, agricultural sector growth was about 9.65%, productivity increased by about 10.53%, and total foodgrain production rose by about 21.18%.
The scheme uses Aadhaar-based authentication, digital beneficiary verification, and DBT for transparent and efficient delivery.
Prelims pointers
- PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) launched in February 2019.
- Financial assistance: ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments.
- Implemented by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Uses Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Aadhaar authentication.
- NITI Aayog's Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) evaluated the scheme.
- Scheme extended for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with ₹3.15 lakh crore outlay.
- 23rd installment released to over 9.49 crore farmers (₹18,984 crore).
- Total disbursed so far: over ₹4.47 lakh crore.
- Women farmers received over ₹1.06 lakh crore.
- COVID-19 support: over ₹1.71 lakh crore distributed.
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of PM-Kisan in enhancing farmers' income and agricultural productivity.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of DBT in ensuring transparency and reducing leakages in welfare schemes.
- Analyze the impact of PM-Kisan on women farmers and rural economy.
- Evaluate the contribution of PM-Kisan towards achieving the goal of doubling farmers' income.
- Assess the significance of technology-driven governance in agricultural welfare schemes.