PM Modi releases 21st instalment of PM-KISAN; over Rs 3.70 lakh Cr transferred to 11 crore farmers so far

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released the 21st instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), transferring financial support directly into the bank accounts of crores of farmers across the country. Speaking from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister digitally transferred nearly Rs 18,000 crore to nine crore eligible cultivators.

Modi, who is on a visit to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, also launched the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore before releasing the funds.

With the latest instalment, total disbursement under PM-KISAN has now crossed Rs 3.70 lakh crore, benefitting more than 11 crore farmer families since the scheme’s launch in 2019.

Launched on February 24, 2019, PM-KISAN provides Rs 6,000 annual assistance to eligible farmer families in three instalments. The scheme has emerged as one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programmes globally, with more than 25% of the beneficiaries being women farmers.

Digital Innovations Boost Delivery and Transparency

The scheme has undergone major digital upgrades to ensure seamless, corruption-free benefit delivery. Aadhaar-based e-KYC, Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts, and a robust digital backend have helped eliminate middlemen and ensure payments reach the farmers directly.

Farmers can now complete e-KYC through OTP authentication, biometric verification, or face authentication, a first-of-its-kind feature allowing even remote farmers to complete verification from home.

The PM-KISAN Mobile App, equipped with facial authentication, has further simplified access to services, enabling farmers to update details, check status, and complete e-KYC easily.

Kisan-eMitra Chatbot Offers Real-Time Support in 11 Languages

To strengthen grievance redressal, the government has launched Kisan-eMitra, an AI-based multilingual chatbot offering round-the-clock support in 11 regional languages, including Odia, Hindi, English, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Telugu, Punjabi, Marathi, and Kannada.

Key features include:
Automatic Language Detection
Automatic Scheme Detection
Voice interaction with male/female voice options
Touch-free operation

Farmers can access the chatbot through kisanemitra.gov.in, helping them check instalment status, clarify payment-related issues and navigate services easily.

Farmer Registry Launched for Seamless Welfare Benefits

In a major reform, the Agriculture Ministry has launched the Farmer Registry, a unified and verified national database of cultivators. 

This registry will eliminate repeated paperwork and allow farmers to automatically access various government schemes without bureaucratic delays.

PM-KISAN Drives Rural Growth

A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) found that PM-KISAN has boosted rural economic growth, improved farmers’ ability to invest in agriculture, and eased credit constraints. Funds have also supported essential household needs such as education and medical expenses.

With the 21st instalment now released, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring last-mile digital delivery, strengthening the rural economy, and empowering India’s farming community.