PM-Kisan 22nd instalment on March 13: Over Rs 18,640 crore to reach 9.32 crore farmers’ accounts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme on March 13, 2026, transferring more than Rs 18,640 crore directly to the bank accounts of over 9.32 crore farmer families across India. The instalment will be released during an event in Guwahati, Assam, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on March 11.

The government will send the payment straight to eligible farmers’ bank accounts using Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), so there’s no middleman involved. With this instalment, the total money given out under the PM-Kisan scheme since 2019 will go past Rs 4.27 lakh crore. It really shows just how big this income support program is for small and marginal farmers.

What is PM-Kisan and how the scheme supports farmers?

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The government started the PM-Kisan scheme in February 2019 to support farmers with Rs 6,000 a year. They send the money in three instalments—Rs 2,000 each time—straight to the farmers’ bank accounts.

This scheme helps farmers buy things like seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides right when they need them. But it’s not just about farming. The money also helps families in rural areas pay for school, healthcare, and day-to-day living.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, the initiative marked a major shift in agricultural support policy by providing direct income assistance to small and marginal farmers, reducing dependence on loans and informal credit sources.

Total PM-Kisan transfers set to cross Rs 4.27 lakh crore

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that since the scheme’s launch, the government has already transferred more than Rs 4.09 lakh crore to farmers.

With the 22nd instalment scheduled for March 13, the cumulative transfer will exceed Rs 4.27 lakh crore, making PM-Kisan one of the largest direct income support programmes for farmers in the world.

The government maintains that the scheme has played an important role in strengthening rural demand, encouraging agricultural investment and improving financial stability for farmer families.

Women farmers among key beneficiaries

A significant share of PM-Kisan beneficiaries are women farmers, reflecting the scheme’s focus on strengthening rural households and promoting financial inclusion.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, more than 2.15 crore women beneficiaries will receive financial assistance in the upcoming 22nd instalment.

Officials say the regular income support has helped improve economic stability in rural families and has also contributed to greater financial participation of women in agriculture and household decision-making.

Technology-driven system ensures transparency

The PM-Kisan scheme operates through a technology-driven platform integrated with India’s digital public infrastructure. Officials say the use of DBT and digital verification has ensured transparency and reduced the possibility of intermediaries or leakages.

To help farmers track their payments and eligibility status, the government has introduced the “Know Your Status (KYS)” module on the PM-Kisan portal. Through this facility, beneficiaries can check details such as payment status, eligibility, land seeding, Aadhaar linking and e-KYC completion.

Face authentication e-KYC and AI chatbot for farmers

Now, farmers can finish their e-KYC right from home using a new face authentication app—no need for OTPs or fancy biometric gadgets. It’s simple, fast, and skips all the usual hassle.

Local officials are pitching in, too. They’re helping farmers through the process, making sure no one who’s eligible misses out on their payment.

And there’s more. The Agriculture Ministry rolled out an AI-powered voice chatbot called ‘Kisan-eMitra.’ It answers questions about PM-Kisan in 11 regional languages, any time, day or night. Millions of farmers have already used it to get updates and info about the scheme, so it’s definitely making things easier.

Verification system to ensure benefits reach eligible farmers

The government set up a solid verification system to make sure PM-Kisan benefits go only to the right farmer families.

Officials keep the beneficiary list up to date, cutting out anyone who isn’t eligible or has passed away. They’ve also added a way for wealthier farmers to step back from the scheme if they don’t need the support.

And if someone gives up their benefits by mistake, the system lets them get their account reactivated. That way, no eligible farmer misses out.

Farmers advised to complete e-KYC before instalment release

The Agriculture Ministry has urged farmers to check their details on the PM-Kisan portal and complete their e-KYC process as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving the 22nd instalment.

Officials said state governments and local authorities are working to ensure maximum coverage and timely registration of eligible farmers so that they can receive the benefit when the next instalment is released on March 13.

The government says PM-Kisan forms part of a broader policy framework aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector. Other initiatives include Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card scheme, expansion of the Kisan Credit Card programme and increases in Minimum Support Price (MSP).