Union Budget 2026: Will PM-Kisan Scheme Bring Relief for Farmers?
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, farmers across India are watching closely, hopeful that February 1 will bring some long-awaited relief. With farming costs rising sharply and inflation squeezing margins, one demand has taken center stage, an increase in assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana.
At present, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 a year under the scheme. While this support was meaningful when it was introduced, many farmers now feel the amount no longer matches today’s ground realities. Their key expectation from Budget 2026 is a hike in annual assistance to ₹10,000.
However, over the years, the cost of cultivation has climbed steadily. Fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, diesel, irrigation, and farm machinery have all become more expensive. In this scenario, farmers say ₹6,000 barely covers a fraction of their seasonal expenses. A higher payout could help them manage input costs better, reduce dependence on loans, and invest more confidently in their crops.
Now, all eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she prepares to present the budget on February 1. Will the government respond to farmers’ demands and raise PM-Kisan support? The answer, farmers believe, could set the tone for agricultural confidence in the year ahead.
At present, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 a year under the scheme. While this support was meaningful when it was introduced, many farmers now feel the amount no longer matches today’s ground realities. Their key expectation from Budget 2026 is a hike in annual assistance to ₹10,000.
Why PM-Kisan Needs an Update
Launched in December 2018, PM-Kisan was designed to provide direct financial support to small and marginal farmers. The scheme transfers ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments straight into farmers’ bank accounts, offering quick and transparent help.However, over the years, the cost of cultivation has climbed steadily. Fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, diesel, irrigation, and farm machinery have all become more expensive. In this scenario, farmers say ₹6,000 barely covers a fraction of their seasonal expenses. A higher payout could help them manage input costs better, reduce dependence on loans, and invest more confidently in their crops.
Boost Beyond the Fields
An increase in PM-Kisan support would not only benefit farmers but also energise the rural economy. Higher cash flow in villages means more spending on local goods and services, from seeds and tools to daily essentials. This ripple effect could strengthen rural markets and support small businesses linked to agriculture.Expectations Are High This Time
Talk of revising PM-Kisan benefits has surfaced in the past, but hopes are stronger ahead of Budget 2026. Farmers’ groups argue that adjusting the assistance to current economic conditions is no longer optional, it’s necessary.Now, all eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she prepares to present the budget on February 1. Will the government respond to farmers’ demands and raise PM-Kisan support? The answer, farmers believe, could set the tone for agricultural confidence in the year ahead.
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