Introduction
Kisan Samman Nidhi Land Limit : The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a government-backed income support scheme aimed at benefiting farmers across India. Launched in December 2018, this scheme provides financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmers in three equal installments. The funds are directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts to ensure economic stability and agricultural sustainability.
One of the critical aspects of PM-KISAN is the landholding criteria, which determines who qualifies for this benefit.
Definition of PM-KISAN and Land Limit Criteria
What is PM-KISAN?
PM-KISAN is a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme initiated by the Government of India to support farmers financially. It aims to enhance their income and reduce their dependency on informal credit sources.
Understanding the Landholding Criteria
Initially, PM-KISAN was designed for small and marginal farmers with up to 2 hectares (5 acres) of cultivable land. However, in June 2019, the government removed the landholding limit, making all landholding farmers eligible for the scheme.
Currently, there is no upper limit on land ownership for eligibility under PM-KISAN, but certain exclusions apply based on income and professional criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for PM-KISAN
To receive benefits under the PM-KISAN scheme, farmers must fulfill the following conditions:
Who is Eligible?
- All landholding farmers are eligible, regardless of the size of their land.
- Both individual and joint landholders can apply.
- Small and marginal farmers, as well as large landowners, can benefit from the scheme.
- Farmers must be Indian citizens.
- The land should be registered in the farmer’s name and used for agricultural purposes.
Who is Not Eligible?
Despite the removal of land limits, the following categories are excluded:
- Institutional landholders (corporate farms, trusts, and government-owned lands).
- Retired or serving government employees (except Group D/Multi-Tasking Staff).
- Individuals with high-income tax liability.
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and architects engaged in their respective practices.
- Pensioners receiving over ₹10,000 per month.
Application Process for PM-KISAN
Where to Apply?
Farmers can apply for PM-KISAN through:
- The official PM-KISAN website (https://pmkisan.gov.in)
- Common Service Centers (CSCs)
- State Agriculture Department offices
- Local revenue officials and Gram Panchayats
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity verification)
- Land ownership documents (such as revenue records or land deeds)
- Bank account details (for direct benefit transfer)
- Valid mobile number (for communication and status tracking)
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official PM-KISAN portal.
- Click on ‘Farmers Corner’ and select ‘New Farmer Registration’.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and other required details.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the form and wait for verification by the State Agriculture Department.
- Upon approval, the financial assistance will be directly credited to the registered bank account.
Benefits of PM-KISAN
1. Direct Financial Support
- Farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.
- The amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account to avoid middlemen and corruption.
2. No Landholding Restrictions
- Unlike the initial phase, farmers of all landholding sizes are now eligible.
3. Encourages Sustainable Agriculture
- The scheme helps farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
- It enhances crop productivity and profitability.
4. Reduces Farmer Debt
- The timely assistance reduces dependency on informal loans from moneylenders.
5. Inclusive of Small and Marginal Farmers
- Small landholders continue to receive support, ensuring their financial well-being.
Limitations of PM-KISAN
1. Exclusions Based on Profession and Income
- Many middle-income and high-income farmers are excluded due to income tax liability.
- Professionals engaged in other occupations cannot avail of the benefits.
2. Land Disputes and Documentation Issues
- Many farmers face difficulties due to unclear land titles and pending legal disputes.
3. Delayed Payments
- Some farmers experience delays in fund disbursement due to verification and technical issues.
4. No Increase in Assistance Amount
- Despite rising agricultural costs, the annual amount remains fixed at ₹6,000.
Comparative Analysis: PM-KISAN vs. Other Agricultural Schemes
| Feature | PM-KISAN | Kisan Credit Card (KCC) | PM Fasal Bima Yojana | MGNREGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | All landholding farmers | Farmers with operational land | Farmers with insurable crops | Rural households |
| Financial Assistance | ₹6,000 per year | Loan facility (up to ₹3 lakh) | Crop insurance coverage | ₹250-₹300 per day wage |
| Land Limit | No limit | No limit | Based on crop coverage | No land required |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | Yes | No (loan-based) | No (insurance-based) | Yes |
| Risk Coverage | No | No | Yes (for crop loss) | No |
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN scheme has emerged as one of the most significant farmer welfare initiatives in India. By removing the landholding limit, the scheme now covers a broader range of farmers, ensuring financial support for agricultural activities. However, the exclusion of high-income farmers and professionals, coupled with land documentation challenges, continues to be a concern.
For small and marginal farmers, PM-KISAN remains a lifeline, helping them invest in essential farm inputs. Going forward, increasing the assistance amount and simplifying documentation requirements could make the scheme even more impactful.
FAQs on Kisan Samman Nidhi Land Limit
1. Is there a land limit for PM-KISAN eligibility?
No, the government removed the landholding limit in June 2019. All landowning farmers are now eligible.
2. Can tenant farmers or landless farmers apply for PM-KISAN?
No, only landowners are eligible. Tenant and landless farmers do not qualify under this scheme.
3. How do I check my PM-KISAN status?
Farmers can check their status on the official website (pmkisan.gov.in) by entering their Aadhaar or mobile number.
4. Can NRIs apply for PM-KISAN?
No, only resident Indian farmers are eligible for this scheme.
5. Can I apply for PM-KISAN if my land is in my father’s name?
No, the land must be in the applicant’s name to qualify.
By understanding the land eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations of PM-KISAN, farmers can make the most of this scheme to improve their financial stability and agricultural output.
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