Over 14 lakh join Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana

The government had launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana to provide social security through pensions for small and marginal farmers.

How did the enrolment go?

• The scheme was rolled out in the month of August and in a month about over 14 lakh farmers have registered under the scheme.
• Analysis of initial data (out of 7.5 lakh enrolments) suggests 35% of those who have joined are women. According to the agriculture census 2015-16, Out of 12.56 crore small and marginal farmers (based on operational holdings), only 14.36% were female.
• The upper age limit to join the scheme is 40 years. This implies that young female farmers are aware of the pension plan and this is indeed a positive sign (when it comes to meeting the targets).
• Only six states have recorded over 1 lakh farmers’ registration.

The scheme targets to enrol 5 crore small and marginal farmers within the 18-40 age group in the next three years.