The 17th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme was released earlier this year in June 2024, with the government disbursing approximately ₹20,000 crore to 9.3 crore farmers. Now, as the festive season approaches, the 18th installment is scheduled for release on October 5.
How Farmers Can Check Their Beneficiary Status
Farmers enlisted under the PM-Kisan scheme can easily check their beneficiary status online. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the official PM-Kisan website and navigate to the “Beneficiary Status” page.
- Enter either your Aadhaar number or account number.
- Click the “Get Data” button to view your beneficiary status and verify the payment details.
Once the information is submitted, the system processes the request and displays the farmer’s status as a beneficiary, including the status of payments made under the scheme. This straightforward process allows farmers to track when their installments are credited to their accounts.
Eligibility Criteria for PM-Kisan Yojana
The PM-Kisan Yojana specifically targets small and marginal farming families who hold cultivable land. To be eligible for the scheme, the family must own up to 2 hectares of land in their name. This ensures that those who are most in need of financial support are the primary beneficiaries.
The scheme plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and meeting the domestic requirements of these farming households. As a part of this initiative, each eligible farmer receives ₹2,000 every four months, providing consistent financial assistance to help with farming-related expenses and household needs.
eKYC Requirement for PM-Kisan Beneficiaries
One of the key steps for farmers to receive their payments under the PM-Kisan Yojana is completing the mandatory electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) process. This step ensures that the funds are directly transferred to the correct Aadhaar-linked bank accounts without intermediaries. According to the PM Kisan website, “eKYC is MANDATORY for PM-KISAN Registered Farmers. OTP-based eKYC is available on PMKISAN Portal or nearest CSC centres may be contacted for biometric-based eKYC.”
There are three methods of completing the eKYC process:
- OTP-Based eKYC: This is the simplest option and can be done through the PM-Kisan website. Farmers need to enter their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number, after which a One-Time Password (OTP) is sent to their mobile. Entering the OTP finalizes the eKYC process.
- Biometric-Based eKYC: Farmers who are unable to complete the OTP-based process can visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or State Seva Kendra to complete biometric-based authentication. The operator will scan the farmer’s fingerprint or iris for verification.
- Face Authentication-Based eKYC: This method is available through the PM-Kisan mobile app, where farmers can authenticate their identity using facial recognition.
These steps must be completed to ensure the timely receipt of the 18th installment of ₹2,000.
PM-Kisan Yojana: A Vital Support System for Farmers
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana was introduced to support the agricultural sector by providing direct financial aid to landholding farmer families. The financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually aims to reduce the financial burden on small and marginal farmers, allowing them to focus on farming and allied activities. The scheme’s objective is to help meet their agricultural needs and support their households.
Since its launch, the central government has disbursed 17 installments, benefiting millions of farmers across the country. With Prime Minister Modi announcing the release of the 18th installment on October 5, the scheme continues to be a vital pillar for the farming community.
Final Steps to Ensure Payment
Farmers are encouraged to complete their eKYC formalities and verify their beneficiary status before October 5 to avoid delays in receiving the upcoming installment. Those facing issues with the OTP-based process can visit nearby Common Service Centres for assistance with biometric authentication.
This financial assistance program, with its simple and transparent process, continues to provide relief to India’s farming sector by ensuring that funds reach eligible beneficiaries without any third-party interference. The upcoming release of the 18th installment during the festive season is expected to bring much-needed financial support to farming families as they prepare for the agricultural season.