India Extends PM-KISAN Scheme With Rs 3.15 Lakh Crore Outlay

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved a five-year extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The government allocated a total financial outlay of Rs 3,15,614 crore to continue the direct benefit transfer program, which provides eligible landholding farmer families with annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 delivered in three equal installments.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the program has reduced borrowing for 85 percent of farmers and contributed to growth in foodgrain production between 2020-21 and 2025-26. To date, the government has distributed over Rs 4.47 lakh crore across 23 installments, with the most recent payment reaching 9.49 crore farmers. A NITI Aayog study found that over 92 percent of farmers spent the grant on agriculture.

While the government maintains the current benefit level, farmer organizations have demanded an increase in annual assistance to Rs 10,000. During the same Cabinet session, the government also approved an expanded Khelo India programme with a Rs 36,441 crore allocation and the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore to boost domestic oil and gas production.