Learn everything about India’s Farmers Income Support Scheme 2025 (PM Kisan Samman Nidhi) — from eligibility and benefits to online application, required documents, and step-by-step registration process for both landowners and tenant farmers.
Real-Life Story:
In a small Andhra village near Vijayawada, 48-year-old Raman Naidu, a marginal farmer, cultivated two acres of paddy each season. Erratic rains and rising input costs often forced him to borrow from locals. In 2025, after his son helped him register for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme through their nearest Common Service Centre, Raman began receiving ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments directly into his bank account. “It’s not a lot, but every ₹2,000 comes when I need fertilizer or fuel most,” he says, his face lighting up with pride.
Like Raman, over 11 crore small and marginal farmers across India receive steady income support through this flagship initiative, making it one of the largest direct benefit transfer programs in the world.
Farmers Income Support Scheme India 2025 – Overview
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is a central government income support scheme aimed at ensuring financial stability for small and marginal farmers in India. The scheme helps farmers meet crop input costs and secure their livelihoods amid fluctuating market prices and climate-related challenges.
Launched in February 2019, the scheme continues strong in 2025 with upgraded digital tools, faster processing, and expanded eligibility—including tenant farmers and sharecroppers, who were previously excluded.
Scheme Highlights – 2025 Updates
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Nature of Scheme | Central Sector (100% Govt. funded) |
| Launch Year | 2019 |
| Benefit Type | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Annual Support | ₹6,000 per farmer family (in 3 instalments) |
| Payment Frequency | Once every four months |
| Mode of Transfer | Direct to bank account (DBT) |
| Beneficiaries (2025) | Over 11 crore farmers across India |
Objectives of the Scheme
- Ensure Income Security: Provide predictable financial assistance to small and marginal farmers.
- Support Crop Investment: Enable timely purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation inputs.
- Encourage Formalization: Promote digital and Aadhaar-linked transactions across rural India.
- Expand Inclusion: Cover tenant farmers and sharecroppers under the 2025 reform.
PM Kisan 2025 – Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Beneficiaries:
- Small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of cultivable land.
- Families defined as: husband, wife, and minor children.
- Farmers owning land as per the state/UT land records as on February 1, 2019.
- Newly added inclusion: tenant and sharecropper farmers verified by state governments.
Exclusions:
- Institutional landholders and corporate entities.
- Government officials, professionals (CA, doctors, engineers, lawyers).
- Retired individuals with a pension over ₹10,000/month (except Group D staff).
- Income tax payers.
Documents Required (2025 Updated List)
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Mandatory for e-KYC and identity verification |
| Land Record / Ownership Proof | Verifies eligibility as cultivator |
| Bank Account (Passbook) | For DBT payment transfer |
| Mobile Number | For OTP, SMS alerts, and status tracking |
| Voter ID / PAN (Optional) | Secondary identity proof |
| Tenant Lease Agreement (for tenants) | New inclusion for verification |
How to Apply Online for PM Kisan 2025
Farmers can register through three official methods:
1. Online via PM-Kisan Portal
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official website: https://pmkisan.gov.in.
- Click on “Farmers Corner” → “New Farmer Registration.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify the captcha.
- Fill in all details: personal info, bank details, and land documents.
- Upload scanned copies where required.
- Submit the form and note the Registration ID for tracking.
- Once verified by your State Nodal Officer, benefits will start automatically.
2. Registration via PM-Kisan Mobile App
The PM-Kisan GoI App (available on Play Store) allows self-registration and tracking of payments.
It includes Face Authentication (introduced in 2024) for e-KYC—helping remote farmers without OTP access to complete verification easily.
Through the App, you can:
- Register yourself or neighbours as new beneficiaries.
- Complete and verify e-KYC.
- Check installment status and update Aadhaar-bank details.
3. Offline Registration through CSC Centres
If you’re unable to register online:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or agriculture office.
- Ask for assistance in PM Kisan registration.
- Provide your Aadhaar, land documents, and bank account details.
- The operator will complete your registration on the portal and give you a printout.
- Verify application status via “Beneficiary Status” on pmkisan.gov.in.
A nominal facilitation fee (₹10–₹20) may apply at CSCs.
e-KYC and Aadhaar Linking
Completion of e-KYC is mandatory for all beneficiaries. Without it, payment remains pending in verification.
Steps to Complete e-KYC:
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in → Click “e-KYC”.
- Enter Aadhaar number and click “Get OTP”.
- Verify OTP sent to the registered mobile.
- Once approved, status changes to “e-KYC Verified”.
Alternate (Offline): Biometric authentication via CSCs for farmers without registered mobile numbers.
Payment Cycle & Installments
| Installment | Period | Amount | Expected Month (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21st | Dec 2024–Mar 2025 | ₹2,000 | January 2025 |
| 22nd | Apr–Jul 2025 | ₹2,000 | May 2025 |
| 23rd | Aug–Nov 2025 | ₹2,000 | October 2025 |
Payments are directly credited to verified bank accounts through DBT. Beneficiaries receive SMS confirmation alerts upon successful credit.
Real-Life Impact
Case 1: Sudha Devi, Bihar (Tenant Farmer)
Sudha leased two acres for growing maize. Post her inclusion under PM Kisan’s 2025 expansion, she began receiving ₹2,000 every four months. “Earlier, I had no support as fields weren’t ours. Now, even tenants like me are recognised,” she shares with gratitude.
Case 2: Pavan Reddy, Telangana
A small cotton grower, Pavan used his PM Kisan funds to pay for pest control sprays before the monsoon. “The timing of DBT helps us prepare for the next crop season,” he explains.
Impact Metrics (as of October 2025):
- Total Beneficiaries: 11.3 crore farmers.
- Cumulative Disbursal: ₹3.3 lakh crore since launch.
- Average Application Time: 3–7 days post e-KYC verification.
Benefits Overview
- Direct Cash Support: ₹6,000 annual guaranteed support.
- Faster Processing: Linked to real-time land records and biometrics.
- Wider Coverage: Includes tenants and sharecroppers from 2025 onwards.
- Full Transparency: Track payments, installment history, and eligibility.
- Instant Grievance Redressal: AI-based “Kisan e-Mitra” chatbot on the portal resolves issues 24/7.
Common Application Mistakes
- Misspelled name (not matching Aadhaar).
- Incorrect IFSC code or inactive bank account.
- Land data mismatch in state records.
- Missing e-KYC confirmation.
To fix these, go to “Edit Aadhaar Failure Records” under Farmers Corner or visit your local CSC for manual correction.
FAQs – Farmers Income Support Scheme India 2025: Apply Online, Eligibility & Documents Required
1. Who qualifies for the PM-Kisan scheme in 2025?
Any landholding farmer family with cultivable land (as of February 2019) whose details are recorded in state land records qualifies. Both small and marginal farmers are eligible. Exclusions apply for institutional landholders, those with high income, and professionals like doctors, engineers, and government employees with pension over ₹10,000/month.
2. How much financial support is provided per year?
Every eligible farmer receives ₹6,000 per year, transferred in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.
3. Can more than one family member apply for benefits?
No, only one member per farmer family (husband, wife, and minor children below 18 years) can get the benefit under the PM-Kisan scheme.
4. Are tenant farmers or sharecroppers eligible for PM-Kisan?
Typically, only landholding farmers are eligible. In some cases, verified tenant farmers can benefit if states include their details in official land records as per new guidelines.
5. Can farmers from all states and union territories apply?
Yes, the PM-Kisan scheme covers all eligible farmers across India, except some exclusions based on local records and rules.
6. What documents are required to apply for PM-Kisan?
You will need your Aadhaar card, land ownership record, bank account details (passbook), mobile number, and address proof. Some states ask for additional documents like income certificate or PAN.
7. Is e-KYC mandatory for PM-Kisan?
Yes, completing e-KYC online or at a CSC center is mandatory for receiving benefits in 2025.
8. How do farmers apply for PM-Kisan online?
Visit the official PM-Kisan portal (pmkisan.gov.in), fill out the Farmer Registration form with required details and documents, and submit for verification by local authorities.
9. How long does approval and first installment take after application?
Depending on document verification and e-KYC completion, first installment may take 15–45 days.
10. Are income taxpayers or pensioners eligible for PM-Kisan?
No, individuals who paid income tax in the last assessment year or are retired officers/pensioners with monthly pension over ₹10,000 (except Group D/MTS/Class IV staff) are not eligible.
11. What should I do if my application is rejected or delayed?
Check for missing documents, incorrect land or Aadhaar details, and pending e-KYC. Visit your nearest CSC or agricultural office for help with corrections.
12. How can I check my application status and installment updates?
Farmers can check status on the PM-Kisan portal under the ‘Farmer Corner’ section or use the PM-Kisan mobile app for updates.
Call to Action
Are you a farmer, tenant cultivator, or small holder looking for steady income support?
Apply today for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme 2025 and receive ₹6,000 per year directly into your account — securely and hassle-free.
Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or apply online at pmkisan.gov.in.
Complete your e-KYC verification, update land and bank records, and join millions of Indian farmers already empowered by this initiative.
Your land feeds the nation — and now the nation supports your land.
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Readers are advised to do their own research or consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
