PM Modi to Release 23rd PM-Kisan Installment Tomorrow, Benefiting 9.5 Crore Farmers

PM Modi to Release 23rd PM-Kisan Installment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 23rd installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi on June 20, 2025. The event will take place in Tarakeswar, West Bengal. This installment will directly benefit 9.5 crore farmers across the country, marking a key milestone in the government’s direct income support program.

Event Location and Date

The event is scheduled for June 20, 2025, in Tarakeswar, West Bengal. Tarakeswar is in the Hooghly district, chosen for its significant farming community. This location highlights the government’s focus on rural areas and agricultural states.

The Prime Minister is expected to address the gathering and discuss the scheme’s impact. This event is part of a larger program involving interactions with farmers and benefit distribution.

Number of Beneficiaries

This 23rd installment will benefit 9.5 crore farmers, making the PM-Kisan scheme one of the world’s largest direct benefit transfer programs by recipient numbers. Beneficiaries are small and marginal farmers owning less than two hectares of land.

Eligibility requires land ownership records and government registration. The scheme excludes institutional landholders and income tax payers, with a central database used for verification.

PM Kisan Utsav Diwas Celebration

The installment release coincides with PM Kisan Utsav Diwas, a nationwide celebration honoring farmers and highlighting government initiatives for the agricultural sector. Events will be held across multiple states.

First observed in 2023, PM Kisan Utsav Diwas is a day for farmers to share experiences and for officials to discuss the scheme. The government uses this day to disseminate information on new agricultural policies.

How the PM-Kisan Scheme Works

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, launched in 2019, provides direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible small and marginal farmers. This amount is paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 directly into the farmer’s bank account.

The scheme operates on a direct benefit transfer model, utilizing the Aadhaar system for identity verification and preventing duplicate payments. Installments are typically released in April-June, July-September, and October-December cycles.

Farmers can apply through local common service centers or online, providing land records and bank details. The scheme is funded by the central government, with an annual budget exceeding ₹60,000 crore. Despite some challenges like registration delays, the government offers a helpline and grievance portal.

Impact on Farmers

The PM-Kisan scheme offers a vital income supplement for many small farmers, helping cover essential expenses like seeds and fertilizers. Studies suggest it aids farmers in avoiding high-interest loans and improves input purchasing, particularly during lean agricultural seasons.

For marginal farmers, this income support is critical for financial stability. The scheme has also benefited women farmers by increasing their access through joint land ownership certificates. However, critics note the amount is modest and suggest increased support during agricultural distress.

Despite criticisms regarding the amount and coverage, the scheme remains popular. Farmers generally express satisfaction with the direct transfer method, finding it useful for immediate needs without intermediaries.

Previous Installments and Total Disbursement

The 23rd installment follows 22 previous payments released since the scheme’s inception in 2019. The total amount disbursed to date exceeds ₹1.3 lakh crore (₹1.3 trillion) to millions of farmers nationwide.

Each installment is typically credited within 24 hours of the announcement. The 23rd installment marks the first release in the 2025-26 financial year, with the previous, 22nd installment, disbursed in October 2024.

The scheme’s annual expenditure is around ₹57,000 crore. While praised for efficiency, some suggest funds could be reallocated to long-term agricultural investments, though supporters emphasize the immediate impact of direct income support.

What Happens Next

Following the release of the 23rd installment, farmers should check their bank accounts for the credit, expected within 24 hours. Those not receiving the payment can contact their local bank or the PM-Kisan helpline.

The scheme is expected to continue, with the 24th installment anticipated in October 2025. Some states have introduced supplementary payments, increasing the total financial support for farmers in those regions.

The event in Tarakeswar also serves to highlight the central government’s initiatives in West Bengal. Farmers are encouraged to use the funds for agricultural needs, though many utilize them for essential household expenses.

The PM-Kisan scheme, one of the world’s largest direct cash transfer programs, aims to help farmers avoid poverty and meet basic needs. While not a complete solution, it represents a significant step in supporting India’s agricultural sector.