Farmers across India are waiting eagerly as Diwali approaches, hoping for the release of the 21st installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
With growing talks about a pre-Diwali rollout, millions are checking their payment status every day. This scheme has been a crucial support system for small and marginal farmers, helping them manage farming costs and daily expenses.
The latest update could bring a much-needed festive boost for rural households.
Key Takeaways
- PM Kisan offers ₹6,000 annually to eligible small and marginal farmers, paid in three installments of ₹2,000 each.
- Over 11 crore farmers have received more than ₹3.46 lakh crore since the scheme began in 2019.
- The 21st installment is expected by late October 2025, possibly before Diwali on October 20 or Dhanteras on October 18.
- e-KYC completion is crucial to avoid delays.
- Duplicate claim checks have saved the government around ₹6,200 crore each year.
What Is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme provides ₹6,000 per year directly into farmers’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). There are no intermediaries, ensuring that the full amount reaches the beneficiaries.
Families with cultivable land qualify, except for those with higher income levels, government employees, or taxpayers earning over ₹1.5 lakh annually.
Past Installments At A Glance
| Installment | Release Date | Amount Disbursed | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19th | February 24, 2025 | ₹22,000 crore | 9.8 crore |
| 20th | August 2, 2025 | ₹20,500 crore | 9.7 crore |
| 21st (Projected) | Late October 2025 | ₹20,000+ crore | 9.8+ crore |
The 20th installment was released from Varanasi on August 2, 2025, with ₹20,500 crore sent to 9.7 crore farmers, including 2.4 crore women beneficiaries—the biggest payout so far.
The 21st installment is projected for late October, and some pilot payments have already started in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. However, pending e-KYC verification and land ownership checks have caused minor delays.
Recent Developments And Farmer Concerns
About 12 crore farmers are registered under the scheme, but only 9.8 crore remain active. A government review in September found 31 lakh duplicate applications, mainly from family members applying twice, which led to massive savings of ₹6,200 crore annually.
Key updates include:
- e-KYC Requirement: Over 80% of farmers have completed it. Use the PM Kisan app or pmkisan.gov.in for biometric or OTP verification.
- Rising Fraud Cases: Fake apps and websites are spreading misinformation. Farmers are advised to trust only official portals, as the government never sends links via WhatsApp.
- Top States: Uttar Pradesh leads with 2.5 crore beneficiaries, followed by Karnataka with 43 lakh. Awareness campaigns continue in remote regions like Ladakh.
- Economic Impact: According to RBI data, PM Kisan has increased rural spending by 5%, with farmers reporting 10–15% higher spending on seeds and fertilizers.
How To Check Your Payment Status
Farmers can easily check their status online by following these steps:
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on “Farmers Corner” > “Beneficiary Status”
- Enter Aadhaar number, mobile number, or bank account details
- Submit to view payment history and eligibility
For updates or corrections, use the “Update Mobile Number” option. New farmers can register by submitting land records and Aadhaar at Common Service Centres (VLEs) or online.
The PM Kisan scheme continues to be a lifeline for millions of farmers, ensuring timely financial aid. With the festival season nearing, the 21st installment could brighten lives across rural India. Farmers are encouraged to complete e-KYC, stay updated through official sources, and look forward to another round of support that strengthens India’s agricultural backbone.
