The PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, a central sector initiative launched in February 2019 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, aims to provide financial assistance to farmers with cultivable land. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The scheme's primary eligibility criterion is ownership of cultivable land, subject to certain income-related exclusions. A robust digital infrastructure ensures that the benefits reach farmers across the country without any intermediaries, maintaining complete transparency in beneficiary registration and verification.

To date, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.90 lakh crore through 20 instalments since the scheme’s inception.

Farmer registration is an ongoing process, open to all States and Union Territories, including Maharashtra. Farmers can register through the PM-KISAN Portal, PM-KISAN App, or Common Service Centers (CSCs). Applications are verified and approved by the respective State or UT governments, and once approved, benefits are processed for release in the next instalment. Applications lacking required documentation may be rejected during verification.

To ensure no eligible farmer is left out, the Centre frequently undertakes saturation drives in coordination with State governments. A major drive was launched on 15th November 2023 as part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY), enrolling over 1 crore new farmers into the scheme. Additionally, under the new government’s 100-day agenda, another 25 lakh eligible farmers were added.