Mandatory Farmer ID Requirement for PM-Kisan Scheme

January 10, 2025

The Government of India has implemented a new rule regarding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. As of January 1, 2025, new applicants must now obtain a farmer ID to register for this welfare programme. This initiative aims to streamline the application process and ensure that only eligible farmers receive benefits. The farmer ID serves as a unique digital identity linked to land records, thus simplifying verification.

What is the PM-Kisan Scheme?

The PM-Kisan scheme provides financial assistance to eligible farmer families. Each family receives Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three instalments of Rs 2,000. The scheme was launched on February 24, 2019, and is fully funded by the Central Government. It aims to support small and marginal farmers in meeting their financial needs for agricultural inputs.

Importance of the Farmer ID

The introduction of the farmer ID is crucial for verifying land ownership. This unique identifier ensures that the applicants are farmers. It links to the state’s land records and contains essential information such as demographics and crop details. The farmer ID will help prevent fraudulent applications and streamline the registration process.

Implementation Across States

The farmer ID requirement is currently enforced in ten states – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These states account for approximately 84% of the total PM-Kisan beneficiaries. Other states will adopt this requirement at a later date.

Creation of the Farmer’s Registry

The database created through the farmer ID will form the Farmer’s Registry. This registry is part of the Agri-Stack component under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The government aims to create 6 crore farmer IDs by the end of March 2025. As of January 7, 2025, one crore IDs have already been generated.

Direct Benefit Transfer Mechanism

The PM-Kisan scheme utilises a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. This system ensures that the financial assistance reaches the beneficiaries directly into their bank accounts. This approach eliminates intermediaries and enhances transparency in fund distribution.

The PM-Kisan scheme was launched just before the 2019 elections.
The government aims to create 6 crore farmer IDs by March 2025.
The scheme has 100% funding from the Central Government.
Over 9.4 crore farmers received the latest instalment in October 2024.
A Parliamentary panel has recommended increasing the annual payout to Rs 12,000.

Future Prospects for Farmers

The mandatory farmer ID is expected to enhance the efficiency of the PM-Kisan scheme. It will likely lead to more streamlined operations and better support for farmers. The government’s commitment to digital infrastructure in agriculture promises to improve overall productivity and farmer welfare in the long run.

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