PM-KISAN Registration Now Requires Farmer ID in 14 States—Check Eligibility and How to Apply

If you're planning to register for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, there's an important update you can't ignore. The Central Government has made it mandatory to submit a Farmer ID while enrolling under the scheme in 14 Indian states. Without this specific ID, new registrations will no longer be accepted in these regions.

This move is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing fraudulent claims under the flagship income support scheme for farmers.

What Is PM-KISAN and Who Can Benefit?

Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN is a government-backed financial assistance scheme that provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible small and marginal farmers. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments directly into the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The main goal of the scheme is to provide some relief to farmers with limited resources and cultivable land. Since its inception, over ₹3.90 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers across the country in 20 installments, according to government data.

Farmer ID Now Mandatory in 14 States

According to Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur, the government has implemented this new requirement to ensure that the benefits reach only genuine and eligible farmers. The use of a Farmer ID will help weed out middlemen and bogus registrations, improving the overall integrity of the scheme.

In a written response in Lok Sabha, the minister clarified that no proposal is currently under consideration to increase the ₹6,000 annual payout, putting an end to speculation about enhanced financial support.

Why Has the Farmer ID Been Made Compulsory?

The introduction of a mandatory Farmer ID is part of the government’s broader effort to make the scheme more transparent and targeted. With this ID, the authorities aim to ensure that the financial benefits go directly to the rightful recipients without interference.

It will also enable state governments to maintain accurate databases and reduce duplication or errors in farmer records.

How Can Farmers Register?

To make the registration process user-friendly, multiple channels have been introduced:

• Self-registration through official PM-KISAN portals

• Common Service Centres (CSCs) for guided assistance

• Registration via state agriculture or revenue department officials

• Assisted mode where local officers help farmers complete the process

This multi-pronged approach ensures even farmers in remote areas can access the scheme with ease. Local authorities are also empowered to resolve any complaints or issues during registration.

Who Is Not Eligible for PM-KISAN?

While PM-KISAN aims to help small landholders, not all farmers qualify for the benefits. Ineligible individuals include:

• Farmers with non-cultivable land

• Individuals with high income levels

• Those holding government positions or pensioners in certain categories

• Professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers who file income tax

Hence, it's important to carefully review eligibility criteria before applying.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the Farmer ID requirement in 14 states is a significant step toward a more transparent and efficient PM-KISAN scheme. By ensuring that only legitimate farmers benefit, the government hopes to strengthen rural livelihoods and reduce misuse of public funds.

Farmers are advised to gather all required documents, including their Farmer ID, before initiating the registration process to avoid delays or rejections.