Millions of farmers across India are awaiting the release of the 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. According to media reports and government sources, the central government is likely to transfer the funds after February 24, 2026. Under this flagship scheme, eligible landholding farmer families receive an annual financial benefit of ₹6,000, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months. The 21st installment was previously disbursed on November 19, 2025, and the next cycle is now due.
The PM-Kisan scheme was launched in 2019 with the objective of providing income support to all landholding farmers' families across the country to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs. The fund is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, ensuring transparency and eliminating intermediaries in the process.
Expected Date for the 22nd Installment
While the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has not yet released an official notification regarding the exact date, media reports suggest that the disbursement will likely take place in the last week of February 2026. This timing is strategic as it precedes the Holi festival, providing farmers with necessary liquidity for the upcoming agricultural season and festive expenses. The government typically follows a four-month cycle for these payments, and the upcoming installment marks the first release for the new calendar year.
Criteria for Receiving ₹4,000 in Bank Accounts
There is significant discussion regarding some farmers receiving a double payment of ₹4,000 this time. According to officials, this isn't a bonus but a cumulative payment for those whose 21st installment was withheld due to technical discrepancies or incomplete documentation. If these beneficiaries have successfully updated their records, including Aadhaar seeding and land verification, they will receive both the pending 21st installment and the new 22nd installment simultaneously. Regular eligible beneficiaries whose records are up to date will receive the standard ₹2,000.
Mandatory e-KYC and Verification Requirements
The government has strictly mandated the completion of e-KYC for all beneficiaries to prevent leakages and ensure that the benefits reach the rightful farmers, while farmers who have not yet completed their e-KYC are urged to do so immediately via the official PM-Kisan portal or by visiting a Common Service Centre (CSC). In addition to e-KYC, land seeding and the linking of bank accounts with Aadhaar are essential prerequisites, while failure to comply with these verification steps may result in the installment being blocked, even if the farmer was a recipient in previous cycles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Beneficiary Status
in. By navigating to the 'Know Your Status' section, users can enter their registration number and a captcha code to access their dashboard. This dashboard provides real-time information on whether the e-KYC is complete, if land seeding is successful, and the status of the FTO (Fund Transfer Order). A 'Yes' in the FTO processed column indicates that the payment is in the final stages of disbursement.
Impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on Agriculture
The PM-Kisan scheme stands as one of the world's largest DBT initiatives, having benefited over 11 crore farmers since its inception. By providing direct cash support, the government aims to reduce the dependence of small farmers on informal credit sources. According to agricultural experts, the timely arrival of these installments helps farmers purchase essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, thereby contributing to overall food security and rural economic stability. The scheme continues to be a cornerstone of the government's efforts to support the primary sector.
