Digital IDs for PM Kisan Beneficiaries A New Era of Farmer Welfare in India
The Ministry of Agriculture has introduced a significant change for new applicants to the PM Kisan scheme, making it mandatory for them to acquire digital IDs linked to land records. This shift, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to ensure that only legitimate land-owning farmers benefit from the direct cash transfer scheme. The move is also designed to streamline the registration process for other farmer welfare programmes, marking a crucial step towards the digitisation of India’s agricultural sector.
The digitalisation of agricultural records and the creation of a unique digital ID, known as Kisan Pehchaan Patra, is intended to provide a transparent and authentic way of identifying farmers who own land. This system guarantees that only genuine farmers will be included in the PM Kisan scheme, helping to eliminate fraud and ensure that the benefits reach the right individuals. In the long term, the Kisan Pehchaan Patra will contain comprehensive details about the farmer’s land holdings, crops, and other relevant information, thereby simplifying not only the PM Kisan scheme registration but also facilitating access to other benefits such as crop insurance and credit facilities. The digital ID is an integral part of the government’s broader efforts under AgriStack, a project designed to modernise the agricultural sector by providing digital solutions. Through AgriStack, an estimated 30 million farmers will receive digital IDs in FY26, followed by 20 million in FY27. The government intends to create an authentic database of farmers, making it easier to provide direct cash benefits and enhance other welfare schemes.
One of the challenges facing farmers today is the lack of proper and updated land records. To address this, the agriculture ministry has directed the states to ensure that land records are digitised and mutations are carried out to reflect the names of landowners. This will enable the creation of digital IDs for farmers who are registered under the PM Kisan scheme. Additionally, if any applicant does not have land registered in their name, the state’s revenue department will be required to carry out inheritance mutations. This ensures that all farmers, including those who inherit land but may not have it reflected in the records yet, can be included in the database. The government has also encouraged states to immediately update the records to ensure the applicant’s name is reflected in the landowner column following the mutation process. This will further accelerate the creation of the digital IDs for farmers, ultimately simplifying the registration and application process.
Farmers have long awaited a more streamlined and transparent process for receiving direct benefits. While many existing PM Kisan beneficiaries are unaffected by the new requirement, the changes bring about a fresh hope for new applicants. Farmers believe that the introduction of digital IDs will make it easier for them to access government schemes and financial support. As agriculture continues to be a vital sector for India, farmers are optimistic that the new measures will create more opportunities for financial inclusion. Currently, under the PM Kisan scheme, 9.5 million farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments. Since its launch in February 2019, the government has transferred a substantial Rs 3.46 lakh crore through 18 instalments, benefiting millions across India. The introduction of Kisan Pehchaan Patra is expected to further ease the process, making it easier for farmers to access government welfare schemes like crop insurance, agricultural credit, and other subsidies. Despite the optimism surrounding the digitalisation initiative, there are concerns among some farmers about the affordability and accessibility of the required technology. Not all farmers are familiar with digital tools, and some may face challenges in obtaining the digital ID or linking it to their land records. Therefore, it is essential that the government ensures adequate support and awareness campaigns to assist farmers who might face difficulties navigating this new system.
Progress on digital ID implementation has been promising, with several states already taking significant steps towards digitising land records. States like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have generated millions of digital IDs, while other states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Bihar, have also started rolling out the programme. With a projected 140 million farmers in India, this system will eventually cover a large portion of the agricultural community, creating a more inclusive and organised database. Farmers are hopeful that with the creation of this authentic and comprehensive digital registry, they will be able to access more opportunities for financial support and agricultural growth. This could mean better access to crop loans, quicker insurance settlements, and targeted subsidies. However, as the system continues to evolve, it will be crucial to ensure that farmers receive the necessary resources to adapt to these changes. The government’s move towards a more digitised and transparent agricultural system is a step in the right direction. By creating a digital ID linked to land records, the government aims to empower farmers with access to critical benefits while reducing inefficiencies and fraud in the system. While this transition offers numerous advantages, farmers are eagerly waiting for further developments, particularly in terms of increased support and the expansion of welfare programmes. With more opportunities on the horizon, the future looks promising for India’s farming community.
