India’s farming community is set to receive the next financial support under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme as the Union government prepares to release the 22nd installment on March 13, 2026, transferring ₹18,640 crore directly into the bank accounts of millions of farmers.
The installment will be released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Guwahati, Assam, where he is scheduled to attend official programmes. According to government estimates, around 9.32 crore farmers across India will receive the benefit of this installment under the PM-Kisan scheme.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed the announcement, stating that the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting the agricultural community and strengthening farmers’ financial security.
The PM-Kisan scheme, launched in 2019, provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmer families, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.
With the upcoming transfer, the cumulative amount disbursed under the scheme is expected to cross ₹4.27 lakh crore, marking a significant milestone in direct income support for farmers in India.
Financial Support for Farmers and Rural Economy
The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has become one of the largest direct benefit transfer programmes in the world aimed at supporting farmers. By providing regular financial assistance directly into bank accounts, the government aims to help farmers meet agricultural expenses and household needs.
Each eligible farmer family receives ₹6,000 per year, transferred in three installments of ₹2,000 each. These payments are deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and reducing the possibility of intermediaries or delays.
Officials say the scheme has played a crucial role in supporting small and marginal farmers, who form a majority of India’s agricultural workforce.
For many farmers, the installment helps cover expenses related to seeds, fertilisers, equipment maintenance and other farming inputs.
The financial assistance also supports rural consumption, which in turn contributes to the broader rural economy.
Agriculture continues to be one of the most important sectors in India, employing a large portion of the country’s population and contributing significantly to food security.
By providing direct income support to farmers, policymakers aim to reduce financial stress and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, more than ₹4.09 lakh crore has already been transferred to eligible farmer families since the scheme’s launch in 2019.
With the 22nd installment, the total amount disbursed will exceed ₹4.27 lakh crore, highlighting the scale of the programme and its reach across rural India.
Special Focus on Women Farmers
One of the notable aspects of the upcoming installment is the significant number of women farmers who will benefit from the scheme.
According to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, more than 2.15 crore women farmers are expected to receive financial assistance in the 22nd installment.
The inclusion of women beneficiaries reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen gender participation in agriculture and rural development.
Women play a vital role in India’s agricultural sector, contributing to farming activities such as planting, harvesting, livestock management and post-harvest processing.
Despite their contributions, women farmers have historically faced challenges related to access to financial resources, land ownership and institutional support.
Government schemes like PM-Kisan aim to improve financial inclusion by ensuring that women farmers also receive direct benefits.
By providing financial assistance directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, the scheme helps empower women in rural households and encourages greater participation in economic decision-making.
Experts believe that supporting women farmers is essential for improving agricultural productivity and strengthening rural communities.
Political and Economic Significance of the Installment
The announcement of the 22nd installment comes ahead of Assembly elections in five Indian states, adding political significance to the timing of the financial transfer.
Large-scale welfare programmes often become an important topic of discussion during election periods as governments highlight their development and welfare initiatives.
However, government officials emphasise that the PM-Kisan scheme is an ongoing programme designed to provide continuous support to farmers regardless of political cycles.
The release of the installment from Guwahati also highlights the government’s focus on development and welfare programmes in the northeastern region.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Assam will include multiple events and initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, welfare and economic opportunities in the state.
For millions of farmers across the country, the installment represents an important financial boost, especially during the agricultural season when expenses related to farming activities increase.
The PM-Kisan scheme continues to be a key component of India’s agricultural policy framework, providing direct income support while complementing other initiatives aimed at improving productivity, irrigation, crop insurance and rural infrastructure.
As the 22nd installment reaches beneficiaries’ bank accounts, the programme will once again demonstrate the scale of India’s direct benefit transfer system and its role in supporting the country’s farming community.
