Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on March 13, 2026, from Guwahati, Assam, transferring Rs 18,640 crore to over 9.32 crore farmers across India.
Scheme Overview
Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Since its launch on February 24, 2019, the total amount transferred under the scheme has now crossed Rs 4.27 lakh crore.
Key Announcements at the Event
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared that India’s total foodgrain production has risen from 252 million tonnes in 2014 to approximately 357 million tonnes in 2025. Horticulture production has also seen remarkable growth, increasing from 277 million tonnes to around 369 million tonnes.
Bharat Vistar – AI-Based Digital Platform
The government also launched the first phase of Bharat Vistar, an AI-based digital platform that will provide farmers with comprehensive agricultural information, including through phone calls in their own languages.
Verification Drive
The installment came amid a nationwide verification exercise to ensure only eligible farmers receive benefits. Reports suggest nearly 70 lakh beneficiaries were removed during the 21st installment cycle. Farmers are required to complete mandatory e-KYC, Aadhaar-bank linking, and land record verification to continue receiving payments.
Significance for Rural Development
PM-KISAN remains a critical financial support system for small and marginal farmers, helping them cover seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and other agricultural expenses before the cropping season.