1. Overview of the PM-KMY Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for small and marginal farmers. It was first introduced in 2019 but has now been expanded and streamlined in 2025 to make it easier for farmers to enroll and receive benefits without any extra financial burden.
The scheme is designed to help farmers who often face financial insecurity during their old age due to irregular income, lack of savings, and inadequate social security coverage. By ensuring a fixed monthly pension, PM-KMY enables them to lead a life of self-respect and economic stability once they cross the age of 60.
2. Key Benefits of the Pension Scheme
- Guaranteed Pension:
Farmers will receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000 (₹36,000 annually) after they turn 60 years old. - No Additional Burden on Farmers:
Farmers who are already registered under the PM-KISAN Scheme (which provides ₹6,000 annually) can have their PM-KMY contribution automatically deducted from this amount. This means they don’t need to pay anything extra out of their pocket. - Voluntary & Flexible:
Eligible farmers can choose to join at any time between the ages of 18 and 40, making it flexible for young as well as middle-aged farmers. - Secure Old Age:
The scheme provides long-term financial security, ensuring that farmers are not dependent solely on their children or uncertain income during their old age. - Simple Enrollment Process:
Registration is easy and can be done at nearby Common Service Centres (CSCs) with minimal documentation.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of PM-KMY, farmers must fulfill the following criteria:
- Age: Must be between 18 to 40 years at the time of enrollment.
- Landholding: Should be small or marginal farmers, i.e., owning cultivable land up to 2 hectares.
- Documentation: Must have a valid Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, land records, and an active bank account.
- Not covered under other pension schemes: Farmers who are already beneficiaries of the National Pension Scheme (NPS), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), or Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are not eligible.
4. Contribution Structure
The pension scheme is contributory in nature, meaning both the farmer and the central government contribute equally to the pension fund. The amount depends on the age of entry:
| Age at Entry | Farmer’s Monthly Contribution | Central Govt Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years | ₹55 | ₹55 |
| 25 years | ₹110 | ₹110 |
| 35 years | ₹180 | ₹180 |
| 40 years | ₹200 | ₹200 |
However, farmers under PM-KISAN can use their existing ₹6,000 annual benefit to make these contributions. A part of their PM-KISAN payment is diverted automatically to PM-KMY, making the process seamless and without additional financial strain.
5. PM-KISAN Scheme Linkage
One of the most important innovations in 2025 is the integration of PM-KMY with PM-KISAN.
- Farmers registered under PM-KISAN receive ₹6,000 annually in three installments of ₹2,000.
- Now, a portion of this amount will be directly used to contribute to the pension fund.
- Farmers do not have to make any manual payments. The system automatically deducts the contribution, ensuring continuity and convenience.
- By doing this, the government ensures that even the poorest farmers can participate in the pension scheme without extra expense.
6. How to Register for PM-KMY
The registration process is simple and has been digitized for convenience. Farmers can enroll at any nearby Common Service Centre (CSC) or online through the official government portal.
Step-by-Step Registration:
- Visit the Nearest CSC or Official Portal:
Go to your nearest Jan Seva Kendra (Common Service Centre) or visit the official PM-KMY website. - Carry Required Documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Land Ownership Documents
- Bank Passbook
- Data Entry & Verification:
The CSC operator will enter your details online. A consent form will be generated authorizing monthly contributions. - Automatic Deduction Setup:
If you are a PM-KISAN beneficiary, contributions will be auto-deducted from your PM-KISAN installment. - Pension ID Generation:
After successful enrollment, you will receive a unique Pension ID Number. This can be used to track your pension status and payments online. - Start of Pension:
After reaching the age of 60, your monthly pension of ₹3,000 will be credited directly to your bank account without any hassle.
7. Latest Update: August 2025 Disbursement
On August 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, transferring ₹2,000 each to 9.7 crore farmers across India.
Farmers who are enrolled in PM-KMY can check whether they have received this installment by visiting the official PM-KISAN portal. If your name is not on the beneficiary list, you should immediately update your records at the nearest CSC or through the online portal.
This move shows the government’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible farmer is left out of the welfare schemes.
8. Why This Scheme is Important
Indian farmers are often financially vulnerable in their old age. Unlike salaried employees, they do not have regular pensions or provident funds. A lifetime of hard work in the fields rarely translates to savings or social security benefits.
Key challenges faced by elderly farmers include:
- Lack of steady income after retirement
- Rising medical expenses and cost of living
- Dependence on children or relatives for basic needs
- No access to formal financial systems
PM-KMY addresses these issues by institutionalizing a pension system for farmers. It ensures that they have a fixed monthly income, enabling them to meet essential expenses and live with dignity.
9. Government’s Broader Vision
The pension scheme is not just a financial initiative; it is part of the government’s broader vision for farmer welfare. Along with PM-KISAN, Crop Insurance Schemes, Soil Health Card, Kisan Credit Card, and Fasal Bima Yojana, this pension plan completes the social security net for farmers.
By 2030, the government aims to cover over 12 crore farmers under PM-KMY, making it one of the largest pension programs in the world.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I register for PM-KMY if I’m over 40 years old?
→ No. The maximum age for enrollment is 40 years. However, once enrolled, contributions continue until the age of 60.
Q2: What happens if the farmer dies before the age of 60?
→ In case of the farmer’s death, the spouse can continue the scheme by paying regular contributions or can exit and receive the total contribution amount along with interest.
Q3: Can farmers opt-out later?
→ Yes, there are exit provisions. If a farmer exits the scheme early, they will receive their contribution amount plus interest.
Q4: Is this pension taxable?
→ No. The pension received under PM-KMY is tax-free.
11. Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) represents a historic step toward ensuring social security for India’s farmers. With its simple enrollment, no extra financial burden, and guaranteed pension, the scheme promises a secure and dignified old age for millions of farmers.
If you are a farmer between 18 and 40 years of age, now is the best time to register at your nearest CSC and take the first step toward a financially secure future.
The ₹36,000 annual pension can be a lifeline, providing stability during times when farmers need it the most.
✅ Official Website: https://pmkmy.gov.in
✅ PM-KISAN Portal: https://pmkisan.gov.in
✅ Helpline: 1800-267-6888
