Top 6 Central Government Schemes for Farmer Welfare in India
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India’s farming community forms the backbone of the nation, with millions relying on agriculture for their livelihood. To uplift and empower this vital sector, the Indian government has launched a series of impactful schemes. From direct cash transfers to crop insurance, credit, and pensions-these initiatives aim to improve farmers' income, reduce risks, and create a sustainable future. Here’s a crisp roundup of six key central schemes every farmer should know about.
1. PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi : ₹6,000 Direct Annual Aid to Farmers
Launched in February 2019, PM-Kisan offers direct financial support of ₹6,000 annually to eligible small and marginal farmers. The amount is paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000, credited straight to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. So far, over ₹3.68 lakh crore has been disbursed across 19 installments. The 20th installment is expected by early August 2025.
2. PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Insurance Against Crop Loss
Introduced in February 2016, PMFBY provides farmers with crop insurance coverage against natural disasters, pests, and diseases. With low premium rates, the scheme aims to secure farm income during unforeseen losses. However, some states like Gujarat, Bihar, Telangana, and Jharkhand have opted out, citing issues with high premiums and delayed claim settlements.
3. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Low-Interest Loans for Farm Infrastructure
Launched in July 2020, the AIF scheme offers ₹1 lakh crore in funding to agri-startups, FPOs, and individual farmers for building cold storages, warehouses, packaging units, and farm equipment centers. Punjab leads with allocations rising from ₹4,713 crore to over ₹7,050 crore, reflecting strong national participation.
4. Soil Health Card Scheme: Smarter Farming Through Soil Insights
Introduced in February 2015, this scheme provides farmers with personalised Soil Health Cards based on lab analysis of their land. These cards highlight crop-specific nutrient needs and deficiencies, promoting balanced fertiliser use, better yields, and reduced input costs.
5. Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Easy Access to Low-Interest Farm Loans
Launched in 1998 and later expanded to include allied sectors like fisheries and dairy, the KCC scheme provides farmers with short-term credit for essentials like seeds, irrigation, and equipment. Under the extended Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), farmers can avail loans up to ₹5 lakh at subsidised interest rates as low as 7% until FY 2026.
6. PM-Kisan Maandhan Yojana: Pension Security for Small Farmers
This voluntary pension scheme allows eligible farmers aged 18-40 to contribute ₹55 to ₹200 per month, based on their age. Upon turning 60, they receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for life. Contributions can be auto-deducted from PM-Kisan payments, ensuring easy and consistent enrollment.
Together, these schemes form a well-rounded support system-offering income, protection, infrastructure, and dignity for India’s farmers.
1. PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi : ₹6,000 Direct Annual Aid to Farmers
Launched in February 2019, PM-Kisan offers direct financial support of ₹6,000 annually to eligible small and marginal farmers. The amount is paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000, credited straight to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. So far, over ₹3.68 lakh crore has been disbursed across 19 installments. The 20th installment is expected by early August 2025.
2. PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Insurance Against Crop Loss
Introduced in February 2016, PMFBY provides farmers with crop insurance coverage against natural disasters, pests, and diseases. With low premium rates, the scheme aims to secure farm income during unforeseen losses. However, some states like Gujarat, Bihar, Telangana, and Jharkhand have opted out, citing issues with high premiums and delayed claim settlements.
3. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Low-Interest Loans for Farm Infrastructure
Launched in July 2020, the AIF scheme offers ₹1 lakh crore in funding to agri-startups, FPOs, and individual farmers for building cold storages, warehouses, packaging units, and farm equipment centers. Punjab leads with allocations rising from ₹4,713 crore to over ₹7,050 crore, reflecting strong national participation.
4. Soil Health Card Scheme: Smarter Farming Through Soil Insights
Introduced in February 2015, this scheme provides farmers with personalised Soil Health Cards based on lab analysis of their land. These cards highlight crop-specific nutrient needs and deficiencies, promoting balanced fertiliser use, better yields, and reduced input costs.
5. Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Easy Access to Low-Interest Farm Loans
Launched in 1998 and later expanded to include allied sectors like fisheries and dairy, the KCC scheme provides farmers with short-term credit for essentials like seeds, irrigation, and equipment. Under the extended Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), farmers can avail loans up to ₹5 lakh at subsidised interest rates as low as 7% until FY 2026.
6. PM-Kisan Maandhan Yojana: Pension Security for Small Farmers
This voluntary pension scheme allows eligible farmers aged 18-40 to contribute ₹55 to ₹200 per month, based on their age. Upon turning 60, they receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for life. Contributions can be auto-deducted from PM-Kisan payments, ensuring easy and consistent enrollment.
Why These Schemes Matter
- Direct transfers ensure quick, corruption-free financial aid.
- Subsidised credit and crop insurance reduce dependence on moneylenders and shield against losses.
- Infrastructure funding and soil testing improve farm productivity and sustainability.
- Pension benefits offer long-term security for ageing farmers.
Together, these schemes form a well-rounded support system-offering income, protection, infrastructure, and dignity for India’s farmers.
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