Farmers’ Budget Expectations: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil the general budget on February 1st. Farmers nationwide are optimistic about her proposals. They are particularly hoping for an increase in the PM Kisan aid from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 per year. This program currently provides eligible farmers with ₹6,000 annually, distributed in three equal payments. Each payment gives farmers Rs 2,000 in support.
Since the scheme began, the assistance amount has not seen any increase. In the previous budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not allocate any funds for PM Kisan beneficiaries, although she did extend a helping hand to millions of farmers by raising the KCC limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
What are the farmers’ requests?
This time, there is a strong call for an increase in the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Farmer Ram Pravesh Sharma, who waters his potato crop, mentions that he receives Rs 2,000 every four months, which barely covers his fertilizer expenses. With rising wages, he believes the government should raise the PM Kisan installment to at least Rs 3,000.
Meanwhile, farmer Radheshyam, who is spraying pesticides on his flourishing mustard field, insists that the PM Kisan amount should be raised to Rs 9,000. Farmers Bhoda Yadav, Girja Yadav, and Jugani Bhai express their frustration, stating that farming has become pointless. Drought-like conditions and unexpected rains are ruining crops, leading to yields that fall short of covering input costs. Although the PM Kisan funds have slightly eased farming expenses, the current Rs 6,000 feels inadequate. Receiving at least Rs 9,000 would provide much-needed relief.
The central government has already transferred 21 installments of Rs 2,000 each to farmers’ accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Beneficiaries are now looking forward to the 22nd installment.
When can the 22nd installment come into the account?
The Government of India transfers the installment of this scheme every four months. If media reports are to be believed, the Central Government can release the next installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in the next month of February. The government has not yet made any official announcement regarding this.
Why is it necessary to do e-KYC in the scheme?
The government has made e-KYC mandatory in this scheme so that fake beneficiaries can be excluded from the scheme. Farmers can get their e-KYC done under the scheme by visiting the PM Kisan Portal or the nearest CSC centre. If the eKYC of the farmers is not completed, their next installment may be stopped.
