Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 13, 2026, released the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Guwahati, Assam. A total of Rs 18,640 crore has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of approximately 9 crore 32 lakh eligible farmers across India through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This milestone event marks one of the largest single-day farmer welfare fund transfers in India’s history and underscores the Modi government’s continued commitment to agricultural welfare.

PM-KISAN Scheme: A Lifeline for Indian Farmers

Launched on February 24, 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides a fixed annual income support of Rs 6,000 to small and marginal farmers across India. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 every four months directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. The scheme is designed to supplement the financial needs of eligible farmers for procuring inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials, helping them meet their agricultural and household expenses.

With the release of the 22nd installment, the total cumulative amount transferred under the scheme has exceeded Rs 4 lakh 27 thousand crore. More than 9 crore 32 lakh farmers are benefiting from this initiative. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed this at a press conference in New Delhi, emphasizing that the government’s vision is to double farmers’ income and ensure their financial security.

The PM-KISAN scheme covers all landholding farmers’ families across the country, with some exclusions such as institutional landholders, farmer families belonging to higher economic strata, and individuals with professional occupations. The scheme uses Aadhaar-linked verification and eKYC to ensure that funds reach genuine beneficiaries, eliminating middlemen and reducing leakage.

Guwahati Event: PM Modi’s Visit to Assam

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guwahati, Assam, carried special significance as Assam is increasingly becoming a hub of national development projects. Alongside releasing the PM-KISAN installment, PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects in the state. The visit showcased the government’s focused attention on Northeast India, which has seen significant infrastructure and welfare investments over the past decade.

During the event in Guwahati, PM Modi interacted with thousands of farmers who had gathered to witness the occasion. He emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy and that the government is committed to enhancing farmer income through schemes like PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Soil Health Card scheme. The event was also attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior ministers from the state and central government.

PM Modi stated that the government has so far disbursed more than Rs 4 lakh 27 thousand crore directly to farmers without any middleman, calling it a revolution in direct benefit transfer. He also urged farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and use technology to improve crop productivity.

How to Check PM-KISAN 22nd Installment Status

Farmers who are registered under the PM-KISAN scheme can check their payment status online by visiting the official PM-KISAN portal at pmkisan.gov.in. The status check requires the farmer to enter their registered mobile number or Aadhaar number. Once submitted, the beneficiary list and payment history is displayed on the screen.

Alternatively, farmers can check their status through the PM Kisan mobile app, which is available for free download on Android devices. The app provides real-time updates on installment releases, payment status, and any issues related to eKYC verification. Farmers whose names do not appear in the beneficiary list are advised to complete their eKYC at the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or online.

Farmers who face difficulties in receiving the installment due to incorrect bank details, Aadhaar mismatch, or incomplete documentation can contact the PM-KISAN helpline at 155261 or 011-24300606. The government has assured that any pending cases will be resolved at the earliest to ensure that all eligible farmers receive their due financial assistance.

Impact of PM-KISAN on Rural India

The PM-KISAN scheme has had a transformative impact on rural India since its launch. Independent studies and government data suggest that the financial assistance has helped millions of farmers reduce their dependence on informal money lenders who typically charge exorbitant interest rates. The assured income support has also helped farmers make timely investments in their farms, leading to improved agricultural productivity.

The scheme has been especially beneficial for marginal farmers who own small parcels of land. With limited income from farming and limited access to formal credit, these farmers previously struggled to buy even basic agricultural inputs. The Rs 2,000 quarterly installment, while modest, provides a predictable income stream that helps them plan their farming activities better.

The government has also linked PM-KISAN with other welfare schemes like the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), which allows farmers to avail short-term credit for agricultural needs at concessional interest rates. PM-KISAN beneficiaries are given priority for KCC enrolment, creating a comprehensive financial safety net for small and marginal farmers.

Conclusion: PM-KISAN Continues to Strengthen India’s Agriculture Sector

The release of the 22nd PM-KISAN installment from Guwahati on March 13, 2026, reinforces the central government’s commitment to agricultural welfare and rural development. With a cumulative disbursement of over Rs 4.27 lakh crore and close to 9.32 crore beneficiaries, the scheme stands as one of the largest direct income transfer programs globally.

As India continues to grapple with global headwinds including rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures, the PM-KISAN scheme provides a steady safety net for millions of Indian farmers who remain vulnerable to economic shocks. The government’s continued focus on digital payments, eKYC-linked verification, and regular installment disbursements ensures that the benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries in a transparent and efficient manner.

With general elections approaching and farm income remaining a key political issue, the PM-KISAN scheme is likely to remain at the center of India’s agricultural policy debate. However, many farm advocates have called for an increase in the annual payout from Rs 6,000, arguing that the current amount is insufficient to meet the rising costs of agricultural inputs. The government, for now, has maintained the existing structure while expanding coverage and improving delivery mechanisms.