PM-KISAN: 23rd Installment Released & New Schemes Bolster Farmer Support
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India's agricultural landscape is set for a significant boost as the 23rd installment of PM-KISAN is released, injecting vital financial support directly into farmers' accounts. This momentous occasion is coupled with the launch of several new agricultural schemes, focusing on crop insurance, digital farming, and sustainable practices, promising a new era of growth and resilience for the nation's farmers.
The 23rd PM-KISAN Installment: A Landmark Disbursement
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme continues its mission to provide income support to landholding farmer families across India. The highly anticipated 23rd installment of the scheme was released on June 20, 2026, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Tarakeswar, Hooghly, West Bengal.
This latest disbursement saw ₹18,880 crore transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore eligible farmers nationwide. Each eligible farmer received ₹2,000, consistent with the scheme's provision of ₹6,000 annually in three equal installments. Significantly, more than 2.18 crore women farmers are among the beneficiaries of this installment, underscoring the scheme's broad reach and inclusive impact.
It is crucial for all registered PM-KISAN farmers to have completed their eKYC, as it is mandatory to receive the installments. The installment covers the April to July 2026 cycle, maintaining the scheme's regular four-month payment pattern.
The Transformative Impact of PM-KISAN
Since its inception on February 24, 2019, PM-KISAN has been a cornerstone of agricultural welfare in India, transferring over ₹4.46 lakh crore directly to farmers' accounts. This makes it one of the world's largest direct income support programs for farmers, designed to supplement their financial needs for purchasing agricultural inputs and reducing reliance on informal credit sources. The scheme's success lies in its transparent and efficient Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, which ensures funds reach verified beneficiaries directly into their Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts. To delve deeper into the scheme's overall contributions, explore how PM-KISAN: Empowering Farmers with Over ₹4.27 Lakh Crore in Direct Aid has shaped the agricultural landscape. For a historical perspective on its continued support, you can also revisit PM KISAN: A Look Back at the Transformative 17th Installment and Ongoing Farmer Support.
A New Dawn: Agricultural Schemes Launched
Beyond the financial aid, this period also marks the launch of several ambitious new agricultural initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, mitigating risks, and promoting sustainable practices across the country.
Crop Insurance Expansion for Enhanced Security
A significant step forward is the expansion of crop insurance schemes. The government is rolling out the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) with an ambitious target of providing crop insurance security to 1.10 crore farmers on 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land during 2026-27. This initiative is expected to provide insurance protection for crops worth ₹28,140 crore, supported by approximately ₹777 crore in premium subsidies from both the Union and state governments.
Empowering Through Innovation: Digital Agriculture and Natural Farming
The push for digital transformation in agriculture is evident with the launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission. This Agri-Tech platform is designed to offer an integrated interface for essential services such as fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) services, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) services, and MSP-based government procurement. An allocation of ₹150 crore has been made for Bharat VISTAAR, an Artificial Intelligence tool set to integrate AgriStack portals, further streamlining digital services for farmers.
In line with sustainable practices, the National Natural Farming Mission is gaining momentum, particularly in West Bengal. During 2026-27, 346 natural farming clusters are planned for establishment in the state, covering 17,300 hectares and benefiting 43,250 farmers. These clusters will receive support through bio-resource centres and Krishi Sakhis, fostering eco-friendly farming methods.
West Bengal: A Special Focus and Rural Development
The choice of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, for the 23rd installment release highlights the growing importance of the state in national agricultural policy. In West Bengal alone, over 45.35 lakh farmers are set to receive more than ₹907 crore under this installment. Since the scheme's inception, farmers in West Bengal have received over ₹15,055 crore through PM-KISAN, demonstrating significant state-level impact.
Complementing these financial transfers, the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) in specific West Bengal districts—Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram—aims to improve agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and strengthen critical storage and processing infrastructure. This initiative, launched nationally in 2025, is already benefiting 1.7 crore farmers by targeting low-performing agricultural districts. Furthermore, rural infrastructure is receiving a boost with the inauguration of 49 road projects under PMGSY-III, valued at over ₹213 crore and spanning more than 315 kilometres, ensuring better market access and connectivity for rural communities. For more details on regional shifts, read about West Bengal's New Dawn: Embracing PM-Kisan, Phasing Out Krishak Bandhu.
Other Key Initiatives
- Coconut Promotion Scheme: Efforts are underway to replace old and non-productive coconut trees with new, high-yielding varieties, backed by a ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture initiatives.
The Road Ahead for Indian Agriculture
The continuous disbursements under PM-KISAN, coupled with the introduction of new schemes for crop insurance, digital integration, natural farming, and infrastructure development, collectively paint a promising picture for India's agricultural sector. These initiatives are designed to create a robust and resilient farming ecosystem, ensuring financial stability and promoting sustainable growth for the nation's 'annadatas' (food providers).