PM Modi to Release 19th PM-KISAN Instalment, Rs 22,000 Crore to Benefit 9.8 Crore Farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 19th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on February 24.
Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 22,000 crore will be directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Announcement of the 19th Instalment
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed on Friday that the 19th instalment will be disbursed in Bhagalpur, Bihar. This financial assistance will benefit approximately 9.8 crore farmers across the country.
The previous, 18th instalment, was released in October 2025, distributing Rs 20,000 crore to 9.4 crore farmers.
Understanding the PM-KISAN Scheme
The PM-KISAN scheme provides direct financial aid to small and marginal farmers. Eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each, deposited directly into their bank accounts.
These instalments are distributed every four months in April-July, August-November, and December-March.
Launched in February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme aims to provide financial stability to farmers. It is recognized as the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative, ensuring that farmers receive their benefits without intermediaries.
Mandatory e-KYC for Farmers
To receive the 19th instalment, farmers must complete their e-KYC verification. According to the scheme’s official website, “e-KYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers.”
Farmers can complete OTP-based e-KYC via the PM-KISAN portal or visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for biometric authentication.
Technological Advancements in PM-KISAN
In a bid to enhance transparency and efficiency, the government has introduced several digital initiatives:
PM-KISAN Mobile App
Launched on February 24, 2020, the mobile app allows farmers to:
- Self-register for the scheme
- Track payment status
- Complete e-KYC via facial authentication
A new “Face Authentication Feature” introduced in 2023 enables farmers to complete e-KYC without requiring OTPs or fingerprints, making the process easier for those in remote areas.
AI Chatbot for Farmer Assistance
In September 2023, the government introduced ‘Kisan-eMitra,’ an AI chatbot integrated into the PM-KISAN mobile app. This chatbot provides instant responses to farmers’ queries regarding payments, registration, and eligibility.
Available in multiple regional languages, the AI chatbot simplifies the grievance redressal process.
Common Service Centres and Aadhaar Integration
To assist farmers, over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to facilitate registrations and e-KYC completion.
Additionally, state government officials have been authorized to complete e-KYC for up to 500 farmers each. The Department of Posts has also enabled farmers to update their Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers via India Post Payment Bank.
PM-KISAN’s Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, the scheme has significantly contributed to financial inclusion and rural empowerment:
- Over Rs 3.46 lakh crore has been disbursed across 18 instalments.
- A major saturation drive launched in November 2023 under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra added over 1 crore eligible farmers to the scheme.
- In June 2024, an additional 25 lakh farmers were included within 100 days of the new government’s tenure.
- The 18th instalment saw the highest number of beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh (2.25 crore), followed by Bihar (75.8 lakh).
A Promising Journey for Farmers
A 2019 study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) found that PM-KISAN funds significantly boost rural economic growth, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce farmers’ dependence on moneylenders.
The financial support helps farmers meet agricultural expenses and cover essential needs such as education and healthcare.
Over the past five years, the PM-KISAN scheme has evolved into a game-changer for the farming community. Its seamless digital infrastructure ensures transparency and efficiency in financial aid distribution.
As the scheme expands, it continues to strengthen India’s agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods. The upcoming 19th instalment underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to rural development and agricultural prosperity.
