Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 21st instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on November 19, 2025, providing crucial financial support to over 9 crore farmer families across the country. With this instalment, the cumulative payouts under the flagship scheme will cross the Rs 3.70 lakh crore mark through direct benefit transfer.
PM KISAN 21st Instalment
Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 directly into their bank accounts as part of the annual Rs 6,000 income support, distributed in three equal instalments. The initiative, which has become a lifeline for small and marginal farmers, helps agricultural households invest in essential farming inputs and meet basic needs without depending on informal credit sources.
Launched on February 24, 2019, PM KISAN has grown into one of the world’s largest direct benefit transfer programmes. It targets eligible cultivator families, providing income support that has played a transformative role in protecting vulnerable farming communities from financial distress.
The government has also intensified its outreach through village-level saturation campaigns, aiming to enrol an additional 15 lakh eligible families in this cycle.
Digital Push: eKYC and AI Assistance
The government has made eKYC compliance mandatory for receiving benefits. Farmers must ensure their land records are up to date and that their bank accounts are linked to Aadhaar numbers. The PM KISAN portal now features a “Know Your Status” option, allowing beneficiaries to check their eligibility and payment status online easily.
In a major technological upgrade, the scheme has introduced an AI-powered “Kisan-eMitra” chatbot that provides round-the-clock multilingual assistance to farmers. The enhanced PM KISAN mobile app now offers better tracking capabilities and real-time status updates, making the system more transparent and user-friendly.
Strengthening Rural Economies
The scheme’s impact extends beyond direct financial assistance. Beneficiary families have utilised the funds for diverse purposes, from purchasing agricultural inputs and investing in land improvement to funding children’s education and healthcare expenses. The predictable income support has provided a safety net that was previously unavailable to millions of small farming households.
As the government works toward creating a comprehensive national registry of farmers, officials expect future instalments to be even more efficient and inclusive. The digitisation drive aims to eliminate duplications and delays while ensuring timely support reaches genuine beneficiaries.
What Farmers Need To Do
Eligible farmers who haven’t completed their eKYC are urged to do so immediately through the PM KISAN portal or nearest Common Service Centre. Those uncertain about their status can verify their details using the portal’s tracking feature.