Agriculture · GS3
PM-KISAN continued to 2030-31
One line
The Cabinet continued PM-KISAN from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an approved outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore.
Summary
The scheme gives predictable income support through direct transfer, but its effect depends on land and beneficiary records, exclusion rules, payment reliability, and the size of support relative to farm costs.
PYQ pattern
UPSC often tests the institution, mechanism, and implementation limits behind this issue. Use the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- PM-KISAN is a Union-sector income-support scheme for eligible landholding farmer families.
- Benefits are transferred directly to validated beneficiary accounts.
- Land records, identity checks, and exclusion criteria shape coverage.
- Income support can ease liquidity constraints but does not replace irrigation, insurance, markets, credit, or extension.
Prelims lens
- PM-KISAN is funded by the Union government.
- It is an income transfer, not a crop-procurement scheme.
- Tenant cultivators without recorded land rights can face coverage gaps.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- PM-KISAN is funded by the Union government.
- PM-KISAN guarantees procurement of every crop at MSP.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 confuses the announcement or indicator with a broader result that it does not establish.
MCQ 2
Which system is most important for reducing wrongful exclusion from PM-KISAN?
- A. Accurate records with a correction and appeal process
- B. No beneficiary verification
- C. Only paperless rejection notices
- D. Removal of payment tracking
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Reliable records and accessible correction protect eligible farmers from data-based exclusion.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Assess PM-KISAN as an instrument of farm-income support.
Approach:
- Explain design and direct transfers.
- Discuss predictability and liquidity.
- Examine tenancy, records, and adequacy.
- Place the scheme within wider agricultural reform.