Geography

The PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) scheme was introduced by the Government of India to provide income support to small and marginal farmers. Here’s a discussion on its effectiveness:

Positive Aspects:

1. Direct Income Support: PM-KISAN provides direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers. This support aims to augment the income of farmers, especially those with limited landholding.
2. Reach and Coverage: The scheme aims to benefit around 12 crore small and marginal farmer families across India, making it one of the largest initiatives of its kind globally in terms of coverage.
3. Financial Inclusion: By requiring beneficiaries to have a bank account, PM-KISAN promotes financial inclusion among farmers, ensuring they have access to formal banking services.
4. Ease of Implementation: The scheme’s straightforward mechanism of providing direct income support through direct benefit transfer (DBT) helps in minimizing leakage and ensures timely delivery of funds to the intended beneficiaries.

Challenges and Limitations:

1. Coverage Issues: Despite its wide coverage, there have been challenges in identifying and enrolling all eligible farmers due to issues such as outdated land records, errors in Aadhaar seeding, and lack of awareness among farmers.
2. Income Augmentation: While the scheme provides income support, its effectiveness in significantly improving the overall income of small and marginal farmers remains debated. Rs. 6,000 per year may not be sufficient to address the broader income needs of farmers facing various challenges including low productivity, price volatility, and debt burdens.
3. Impact on Agricultural Productivity: Critics argue that income support alone may not incentivize

farmers to invest in improving agricultural productivity or diversifying into higher-value crops. The scheme primarily addresses income stability rather than enhancing long-term agricultural productivity.