Amid rising farming costs and inflation, farmers may soon receive a historic gift! According to media reports, the central government is seriously considering increasing the annual amount of its most ambitious scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM Kisan Yojana), from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 or even more. Find out when and how this major change could be implemented in the upcoming budget, and how much relief this increased amount will bring to small and marginal farmers.
Budget Preparation and Expectations
Although the Union Budget speech is presented in Parliament every year on February 1st, its complex and multi-layered preparations begin several months in advance. The central government has begun the lengthy and intensive process of preparing the budget for the upcoming financial year 2026-27, led by the Ministry of Finance.
This crucial budget preparation process begins in August-September, with extensive consultations involving the NITI Aayog, relevant ministries, state representatives, and all stakeholders in the agriculture sector. Prepared under Article 112 of the Constitution, this “Annual Financial Statement” determines where and how the government will spend public funds for the next year.
This time, due to the unprecedented number of suggestions received during the budget-making process and the extended timeframe, there is a strong possibility of direct benefits to farmers. The government has had ample time to lay the groundwork and consult with all stakeholders, raising hopes that some major and bold announcements may be made for the agricultural sector.
What is the government’s plan to increase the PM Kisan Amount
Since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, farmers have been provided with ₹6,000 as annual financial assistance. This amount is transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts in three equal installments, i.e., ₹2,000 per installment, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). While the prices of agricultural essentials like fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and diesel have increased significantly over the past few years, the amount of the Samman Nidhi has remained unchanged.
Even in the last budget, there was strong speculation that the government would increase this amount, but that expectation was not fulfilled. Now, once again, media reports are strongly indicating that the government is seriously considering increasing this amount. Most likely, the annual amount could be increased from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000.
How big a relief will it be for farmers
If the central government takes the historic decision to increase the annual amount under the PM Kisan Yojana to ₹9,000, it will be an unprecedented relief for small and marginal farmers suffering from inflation. This direct increase will provide financial support to farmers. At ₹9,000, farmers will now receive ₹3,000 in each installment, instead of ₹2,000. This additional ₹3,000 per year will directly support them in purchasing seeds, fertilizers, or meeting minor expenses for agricultural equipment, thereby reducing their production costs.
This government initiative will not only directly increase farmers’ incomes but will also have a positive and significant impact on the rural economy. Budget 2026-27 could prove to be a milestone for the agriculture sector, where the growing needs of farmers are being sincerely addressed. This Samman Nidhi will emerge as a huge support for farmers.