PM Kisan Scheme

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to release Rs 18,000 crores under Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Samman Nidhi. Around nine crore farmers are to be benefitted from the funds.

PM-KISAN

It was first implemented as Rythu Bandhu Scheme by the Government of Telangana. Under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, a certain amount of money was directly handed to eligible farmers.

During the 2019-20 Budget, it was announced that the scheme is to be implemented as a nationwide scheme. It was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Under the PM-KISAN scheme, the farmers are provided Rs 6,000 per year in three instalments. Both small and marginal farmers are eligible to enjoy the benefits of the scheme.

The scheme completed one year in February 2020. Till then more than eight crore forty-six lakhs farmers have been covered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi

Objective

• The main objective of the scheme is to increase the source of income of the farmers.
• It aims to supplement the financial needs and ensure crop health and appropriate yields.

Rythu Bandhu Scheme

The scheme was first of its kind in the country. It was launched in 2018. Under the scheme, the eligible farmers received Rs 4,000 per acre for two crops a year. The farmers shall utilize the money to cover both horticultural and agricultural crops.

Similar Programmes by other states

The following are the other similar programmes launched by other states:

• Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana by Madhya Pradesh
• Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) of Odisha

Background

This is the seventh instalment being launched under the scheme. The sixth instalment was released in August 2020. Around Rs 17,100 crores was transferred.

The instalments are made thrice a year. The first instalment of a financial year is made between April and July, August and November, December and March.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2020