Budget Brings Big Relief to Farmers with ₹63,500 Crore Fund Approval

The Union Budget 2026 brought no major cheer for farmers, especially those hoping for higher financial assistance under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana . Ahead of the budget, farmer groups expected an increase in the annual payout, but the government chose to keep the scheme unchanged.

For this financial year, the Centre has allocated ₹63,500 crore for farmers’ welfare under PM Kisan, the same amount as last year. Launched in 2019, the scheme continues to provide ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers, paid in three equal instalments.

How the scheme supports farmers

Under PM Kisan, the government releases three instalments of ₹2,000 each directly into farmers’ bank accounts every year. The goal is to help farmers manage basic farming expenses and reduce financial stress. At present, more than 10 crore farmers across India are benefiting from this direct income support.

Since the scheme began, over ₹3.70 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers, offering steady relief to small and marginal farming families. Even during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, hopes of an increased payout remained unfulfilled, and Budget 2026 continues with the same structure.

Budget allocation has seen ups and downs

Although the assistance amount remains unchanged, annual spending has varied. In 2023–24, actual expenditure rose to ₹61,441 crore, exceeding initial estimates. Similarly, the 2024-25 allocation was revised from ₹60,000 crore to ₹66,121 crore after factoring in beneficiary numbers. These revisions reflect adjustments based on real-time demand.

Farmers’ demands remain unmet

Farmer organisations have repeatedly urged the government to raise the annual assistance to ₹9,000-₹12,000. These demands were reiterated in meetings held in December. However, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not announce any hike in her budget speech, citing the need to maintain fiscal discipline.

When will the 22nd instalment be credited?

The next instalment under PM Kisan is expected in the last week of February, just ahead of Holi. So far, 21 instalments of ₹2,000 each have already been credited. The 22nd instalment is likely to reach beneficiaries’ accounts by February 28, bringing timely support before the festive season.