The state of Uttar Pradesh ranks
for availing benefins under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojant (PM Kissan).

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) first.

Uttar Pradesh holds the top position in terms of the number of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana. As of the 18th installment (August–November 2024), the state had 2,25,72,533 beneficiaries, receiving a total disbursement of ₹4,980.88 crore.

This significant number underscores Uttar Pradesh's leading role in availing the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme, which provides financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across India.

Additional Information:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana

Introduction:

• The PM-KISAN Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India in February 2019.
• It aims to provide income support to farmers to ensure financial stability for small and marginal farmers.

Key Features of PM-KISAN Yojana:

• Direct Income Support:

  • Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year.
  • The amount is paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, transferred directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Eligible Farmers:
    • Initially targeted at small and marginal farmers (up to 2 hectares of landholding).
    • Later expanded to include all farmers, irrespective of land size.
  • Exclusions:
    • Institutional landholders.
    • Professionals like income tax payers, doctors, and engineers.

• Mode of Transfer:

  • Payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and avoiding intermediaries.

• Coverage:

  • As of 2024, the scheme has benefited over 11 crore farmers across India.

Significance of PM-KISAN:

• Support for Small Farmers:
  • Provides a financial cushion to small and marginal farmers, reducing dependency on loans.
• Boosts Rural Economy:
  • Direct cash transfers stimulate rural consumption and promote economic growth.
• Transparency:
  • The use of DBT ensures timely disbursement and eliminates middlemen.

Achievements:

• Reduction in Financial Stress:
  • Farmers have reported reduced reliance on informal loans for agricultural inputs.
• Wide Reach:
  • The scheme has become one of the largest income-support initiatives globally, benefiting millions of farmers.

PM-KISAN in Numbers (as of 2024):

• Total Beneficiaries: Over 11 crore farmers.
• Total Funds Disbursed: ₹2.6 lakh crore.
• Leading State:Uttar Pradesh ranks first in terms of beneficiaries.