Budget 2026: PM-Kisan Allocation Held at ₹63,500 Crore, No Hike in Annual Support

The Union Budget for FY 2026-27 has allocated ₹63,500 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. The allocation has remained unchanged from last year, even though there were expectations of a higher annual benefit for farmers.

PM-Kisan, launched in 2019, is one of India’s key income support programmes for farmers. Under this scheme, every eligible land-holding farmer family receives ₹6,000 per year, paid through direct benefit transfer (DBT) in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each.

PM-Kisan Benefits Remain the Same

Many farmer groups had been demanding a rise in the annual support amount, arguing that ₹6,000 is not enough to match increasing cultivation and input costs. There were calls to raise the support to ₹9,000–₹12,000 annually.

However, the Budget has maintained the existing benefit structure. This decision appears aligned with the government’s broader focus on fiscal consolidation, where spending is managed carefully to keep deficits under control.

Spending Has Been Higher Than Budgeted Earlier

While the allocation is steady, actual spending in recent years has often been higher than the Budget estimate.

• In FY24, the government spent ₹61,441 crore, slightly above estimates.
• In FY25, the allocation was ₹60,000 crore, but revised estimates show spending rose to ₹66,121 crore.
• For FY26, the Budget estimate has been increased to ₹63,500 crore.

This suggests that the scheme continues to see large-scale participation and consistent payout needs.

Over 10 Crore Beneficiaries Covered

The government states that over 10 crore beneficiaries have been covered under PM-Kisan. It also claims that more than ₹3.7 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers since the scheme began in 2019.

This makes PM-Kisan one of the largest DBT-based welfare schemes in India.

When is the Next Instalment Due?

Farmers are expected to receive the 22nd instalment of ₹2,000 by the end of February. The scheme continues to support farming households with a predictable cash flow, helping them meet basic needs and manage seasonal farm expenses.

Read more: Check Gold and Silver Prices on Feb 4, 2026, Across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore Here!

Conclusion

Budget 2026 has kept PM-Kisan funding stable at ₹63,500 crore, with no increase in the annual support amount. While farmers may be disappointed about the lack of a benefit hike, the continued funding and uninterrupted payments keep the scheme relevant for rural households. Many farmers remain hopeful that the support amount could be increased in future policy decisions.

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