“On August 2, 2025, PM Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring ₹20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers, including 2.62 crore in Uttar Pradesh. The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers, but 5 lakh UP farmers risk exclusion due to verification issues.”
PM-Kisan Yojana Boosts UP Farmers with ₹20,500 Crore in Latest Installment
On August 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, transferring ₹20,500 crore to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across India via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In Uttar Pradesh alone, more than 2.62 crore farmers benefited, receiving ₹2,000 each as part of the scheme’s triannual payments. Launched in December 2018 and formally rolled out on February 24, 2019, in Gorakhpur, the PM-Kisan scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible small and marginal farmers in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months, aimed at supporting agricultural and household expenses.
The scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, has disbursed over ₹3.69 lakh crore to farmers nationwide across 19 installments prior to this latest release. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme has been a lifeline for farmers, with over ₹51,639.68 crore transferred to their accounts in 2022-23 alone, as per state Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. The 20th installment underscores the government’s commitment to rural welfare, with Uttar Pradesh leading as the state with the highest number of beneficiaries, followed by Bihar.
However, recent developments have raised concerns for some farmers in Uttar Pradesh. A verification drive revealed that approximately 5 lakh farmers in the state may be deemed ineligible for the scheme due to discrepancies in their documentation, such as incorrect Aadhaar details, bank account numbers, or land records. The government has mandated e-KYC and farmer registry completion to ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. In Gonda district, for instance, only 2.62 lakh farmers have completed the mandatory farmer registry, leaving others at risk of missing out on the 20th installment.
To address these challenges, the government has introduced digital tools like the PM-Kisan mobile app, developed by the National Informatics Centre, allowing farmers to register, check payment status, and update Aadhaar details. The AI chatbot ‘Kisan-eMitra’, launched in September 2023, provides instant support in local languages, while India Post Payment Bank facilitates Aadhaar-mobile linking for e-KYC. Farmers are urged to visit pmkisan.gov.in or Common Service Centres (CSCs) to complete these requirements to avoid disruptions in payments.
The scheme’s impact extends beyond financial aid, enabling farmers to invest in seeds, fertilizers, and modern agricultural inputs, thereby boosting crop productivity. In Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district, for example, 75,368 farmers received ₹15.07 crore in the 20th installment, highlighting the scheme’s widespread reach. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that PM-Kisan not only alleviates financial stress but also empowers farmers to achieve self-sufficiency, aligning with the government’s broader rural development goals.
Despite its successes, the scheme faces challenges with the PM-Kisan portal and app, with some users reporting technical issues, such as blank registration pages and errors in the e-KYC process. The government is working to resolve these glitches to ensure seamless access. Farmers are also advised to avoid falling for fraudulent messages promising early disbursements, as warned by the agriculture ministry.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government websites, news reports, and official statements available as of August 5, 2025. Readers are advised to verify details through official sources like pmkisan.gov.in for the most accurate and updated information.