Union Cabinet Approves 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana' to Boost Agricultural Productivity and Farmer Income
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the new 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana' (PM-KSY) on May 18, 2026. This comprehensive scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and significantly increase the income of small and marginal farmers across India through a multi-pronged approach of direct benefit transfers, input subsidies, and market linkages.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Union Cabinet approved 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana' (PM-KSY) on May 18, 2026.
- Initial outlay for PM-KSY is ₹2.5 lakh crore over five years, starting from 2026-27.
- Direct income support for eligible farmer families increased from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 annually.
- ₹10,000 support will be disbursed in four equal installments of ₹2,500 each.
- Scheme includes targeted subsidies for agricultural inputs like certified seeds and fertilizers.
- A dedicated 'Kisan Samriddhi Fund' will support farm mechanization and post-harvest infrastructure.
- Emphasis on strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for market integration.
- Promotes sustainable farming practices, including bio-fertilizers and precision agriculture.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare is the nodal ministry for PM-KSY.
- Leverages existing digital infrastructure of PM-KISAN for transparent benefit delivery.
- Aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and increase farmer income.
- Integrates financial support, input management, and market integration components.
Why In News
The 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana' is in the news following its official approval by the Union Cabinet on May 18, 2026. This decision marks a significant policy shift towards a more integrated and holistic approach to agricultural development and farmer welfare, building upon existing schemes and addressing contemporary challenges in the sector.
Syllabus Connection
Students should revise major government schemes related to agriculture, their objectives, target beneficiaries, financial outlays, and implementation mechanisms, particularly focusing on how new schemes integrate or improve upon existing ones.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| What | PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana (PM-KSY) approved by Union Cabinet. | Integrated scheme for farmer welfare, productivity, and market access. |
| When | Approved on May 18, 2026. | Part of ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable agricultural growth and farmer income. |
| Key Feature | Increased direct income support to ₹10,000 annually. | Multi-pronged approach combining financial aid, input subsidies, and market linkages. |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. | Central role in policy formulation and implementation for agricultural sector development. |
| Impact | Aims to boost farmer income and agricultural productivity. | Expected to reduce agrarian distress, enhance food security, and strengthen rural economy. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | High | 4–7 | Central government welfare schemes are a consistent Railway GK topic. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: Union Cabinet Approves 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana' to Boost Agricultural Productivity and Farmer Income
- Union Cabinet approved 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana' (PM-KSY) on May 18, 2026.
- Initial outlay for PM-KSY is ₹2.5 lakh crore over five years, starting from 2026-27.
- Direct income support for eligible farmer families increased from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 annually.
- ₹10,000 support will be disbursed in four equal installments of ₹2,500 each.
- Scheme includes targeted subsidies for agricultural inputs like certified seeds and fertilizers.
- A dedicated 'Kisan Samriddhi Fund' will support farm mechanization and post-harvest infrastructure.
- Emphasis on strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for market integration.
- Promotes sustainable farming practices, including bio-fertilizers and precision agriculture.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare is the nodal ministry for PM-KSY.
- Leverages existing digital infrastructure of PM-KISAN for transparent benefit delivery.
- Aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and increase farmer income.
- Integrates financial support, input management, and market integration components.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following is the primary objective of the newly approved 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana'?
- To provide free electricity to all farmers across India.
- To enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmer income.
- To establish a national network of cold storage facilities exclusively.
- To promote industrial farming methods in urban areas.
Explanation: The primary objective of the PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana (PM-KSY) is to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and significantly increase the income of small and marginal farmers across India. It adopts a multi-pronged approach to achieve these goals, not just focusing on one aspect.
Q2. What is the enhanced annual direct income support provided to eligible farmer families under PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana?
- ₹6,000
- ₹8,000
- ₹10,000
- ₹12,000
Explanation: Under the PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana, the annual direct income support for eligible small and marginal farmer families has been increased to ₹10,000. This amount is disbursed in four equal installments of ₹2,500 each, a significant increase from the previous PM-KISAN scheme's ₹6,000.
Q3. Which ministry is the nodal ministry for the implementation of the PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana?
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Explanation: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare is the nodal ministry responsible for the implementation and oversight of the PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana. This ministry is central to all agricultural policies and schemes in India.
Q4. The 'Kisan Samriddhi Fund' established under PM-KSY is primarily aimed at facilitating which of the following?
- Providing free health insurance to farmers.
- Funding international agricultural research collaborations.
- Supporting farm mechanization and post-harvest management infrastructure.
- Offering subsidies for non-agricultural rural enterprises.
Explanation: The 'Kisan Samriddhi Fund' is a dedicated fund under PM-KSY specifically established to facilitate the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and provide credit at concessional rates for farm mechanization and post-harvest management infrastructure. This aims to reduce losses and improve efficiency.
Q5. PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana (PM-KSY) builds upon and enhances which existing direct income support scheme for farmers?
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
Explanation: The PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana (PM-KSY) builds directly upon the existing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. It enhances the direct income support component and integrates it with broader agricultural development initiatives.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — Union Cabinet Approves 'PM-Kisan Samriddhi Yojana…
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
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