PM Kisan Yojana Payment Hike? Here’s What the Government Has Said About Increasing Farmers’ Benefits

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan Yojana), one of the government’s flagship welfare schemes for farmers, has been a steady source of income support for cultivators across India since its launch in February 2019. Over the years, the scheme has disbursed significant financial aid, but now a burning question is on everyone’s mind — will the government increase the payment amount under PM Kisan?

On August 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the scheme from Varanasi, transferring funds directly into the bank accounts of millions of eligible farmers. Each beneficiary received ₹2,000 in this round, continuing the scheme’s long-standing practice of three payments a year, totaling ₹6,000 annually.

20 Installments Completed — But Will the Amount Increase?

Following the recent installment, discussions began circulating on social media and among farmer groups that the central government might raise the PM Kisan payout. However, the speculation has now been addressed officially.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, speaking in the Lok Sabha, clarified that there are no plans at present to increase the PM Kisan benefit amount. Since the scheme’s inception, over ₹3.9 lakh crore has been distributed to farmers across the country through 20 installments. While the government remains committed to supporting farmers, Chouhan made it clear that the current structure of ₹6,000 per year will continue for now.

How the Scheme Works

The PM Kisan Yojana was launched to provide direct income support to farmers, helping them meet agricultural expenses and improve productivity. Under the scheme:

• Eligible farmers receive ₹2,000 every four months.

• Payments are made in three equal installments annually.

• The total yearly benefit stands at ₹6,000 per farmer.

The funds are sent directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.

Delay in 20th Installment

Normally, the government releases each installment every four months, with the previous one expected in June 2025. However, the 20th installment was delayed and arrived in August instead. This delay fueled further curiosity among farmers about the timeline for the next payment.

During the August disbursal, over 9.7 crore eligible farmers received a collective ₹20,500 crore directly into their accounts.

When Will the 21st Installment Arrive?

If the schedule follows its usual pattern, the 21st installment is expected to be released between October and November 2025. However, the exact date will depend on the government’s disbursement plan. Based on the Agriculture Minister’s recent statement, the amount for the 21st installment will remain unchanged at ₹2,000 per eligible farmer.

Farmers’ Expectations Remain High

While the government has clarified there will be no immediate hike, many farmers’ associations continue to advocate for an increase, citing rising input costs such as seeds, fertilizers, and fuel. Supporters of the hike argue that the ₹6,000 yearly benefit has not kept pace with inflation and changing agricultural demands.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring timely payment of the upcoming installment, as farmers across the country prepare for the Rabi crop season and rely on this support for essential expenses.

Key Takeaway: The PM Kisan Yojana will continue with its existing structure of ₹6,000 annually, paid in three installments. Farmers can expect the next payment by late October or November 2025, but any increase in the payout amount is not on the cards at present.