Vol. 13, Issue 8 (2024)

Author(s):
Santhosh Kumar G, Praveen N, Naveen Kumar S and Srinivas Reddy D

Abstract:
India's agricultural development has historically prioritized output and food security over farmer welfare, leading to challenges such as farmer indebtedness and suicides. To address these issues, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was launched to provide annual cash transfers of Rs. 6,000 to farmer families. This study focuses on the utilization patterns of PM-KISAN benefits in Kamareddy district, Telangana. Findings from 120 farmers show that 61.70% used the funds for agricultural activities and 28.30% allocated them for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. The data also reveals that beneficiaries used the benefits for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and covering household and medical expenses. Small and marginal farmers were the most active users of the funds. The study concludes that PM-KISAN plays a vital role in supporting small and marginal farmers' livelihoods, providing financial flexibility for both agricultural and personal needs. These insights are crucial for policymakers to enhance the scheme's effectiveness and improve farmer well-being in India.