Cabinet Approves PM-Kisan Extension with ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Outlay (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 ensures continued income support to eligible farmers, reinforcing the government's commitment to farmer welfare. The decision is significant for agricultural policy and direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanisms.
Background
PM-Kisan was launched in February 2019 to provide income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families, paid in three equal installments directly to their bank accounts. The scheme uses Aadhaar authentication and DBT for transparency. As of now, over ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred in 23 installments.
Key facts
Cabinet approved continuation of PM-Kisan from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore.
Under the scheme, eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments via DBT.
More than ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers' bank accounts in 23 installments so far.
The 23rd installment benefited over 9.49 crore farmers, with more than ₹18,984 crore released.
During COVID-19, over ₹1.71 lakh crore was distributed to support farmers.
Women farmers have received over ₹1.06 lakh crore, and about one in four beneficiaries is a woman.
As per NITI Aayog's DMEO evaluation, over 92% beneficiaries used the aid for agricultural activities and investment.
About 85% beneficiaries reported improvement in farm income and reduced dependence on informal credit.
From 2020-21 to 2025-26, agricultural output grew by ~9.65%, productivity by ~10.53%, and total foodgrain production by ~21.18%.
The scheme is a model of transparency using Aadhaar-based authentication and DBT.
Prelims pointers
- PM-Kisan: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, launched February 2019.
- Financial assistance: ₹6,000 per year in three installments.
- Implementing agency: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture.
- Eligibility: Landholding farmer families (subject to exclusion criteria).
- Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) with Aadhaar authentication.
- Outlay for 2026-31: ₹3.15 lakh crore.
- 23rd installment: ₹18,984 crore to 9.49 crore farmers.
- NITI Aayog's DMEO: Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office.
- COVID-19 support: ₹1.71 lakh crore distributed.
- Women beneficiaries: over ₹1.06 lakh crore received.
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 economic stability.
- Evaluate the contribution of PM-Kisan towards achieving the goal of doubling farmers' income.
- How does PM-Kisan align with the broader objectives of 'Digital India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'?