The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) has completed seven years since its launch in 2019. The scheme provides an old-age pension safety net to Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) through a voluntary and contributory pension system.
What are the Key Facts About PM-KMY?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme designed to provide financial security to eligible farmers after the age of 60. It is administered by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
Under the scheme, eligible subscribers receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age.
Contribution and Pension Benefits
PM-KMY follows an equal matching contribution model. The enrolled farmer makes a monthly contribution, while the Central Government contributes an equal amount towards the pension fund.
Farmers can enrol between 18 and 40 years of age. Depending on their age at entry, their monthly contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200, with an equivalent government contribution.
The scheme also provides protection to the subscriber’s family. If a pensioner dies after receiving the pension, the spouse is eligible for a family pension equal to 50% of the subscriber’s pension, or ₹1,500 per month, subject to applicable conditions.
Eligibility for PM-KMY
The scheme is primarily meant for Small and Marginal Farmers having cultivable landholdings of up to 2 hectares. Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Several categories are excluded, including institutional landholders, income-tax payers, certain constitutional post holders, serving or retired government and PSU employees, and registered professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants and architects.
Beneficiaries covered under schemes such as NPS, EPFO, ESIC, PM-SYM and PM-LVM are also excluded, subject to scheme provisions. MTS, Class IV and Group D employees are exempted from this exclusion.
Auto-Debit and PM-KISAN Linkage
Farmers’ contributions are generally deducted automatically from their linked bank accounts through an auto-debit facility. Eligible beneficiaries may also voluntarily utilise their PM-KISAN benefits towards PM-KMY contributions.
Coverage and Progress
PM-KMY has expanded its coverage among farming communities. As of February 2026, 24,96,252 farmers had enrolled under the scheme. Haryana recorded the highest enrolment, followed by Bihar.
Since its launch, approximately ₹540.66 crore has been utilised for the scheme’s implementation and outreach.
Significance of PM-KMY
The scheme extends farmer welfare beyond agricultural production and immediate income support by introducing life-cycle social security. A guaranteed pension can help reduce financial vulnerability during old age, particularly for small and marginal farmers who may have limited alternative sources of retirement income.
Its matching contribution mechanism also promotes financial inclusion, regular savings and social security awareness among farming households.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana represents an important social-security intervention for small and marginal farmers. By combining contributory pensions, government matching support, financial inclusion and family pension benefits, PM-KMY seeks to provide greater financial security and dignity to farmers in their post-working years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – PM-KMY
What is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2019 to provide an old-age pension and financial security to eligible Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs).
What pension is provided under PM-KMY?
Eligible subscribers receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age, subject to the scheme’s applicable conditions.
Who is eligible for PM-KMY?
Small and Marginal Farmers with cultivable landholdings of up to 2 hectares can enrol, provided they are 18–40 years old at the time of joining and meet the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
How much do farmers contribute to PM-KMY?
Farmers contribute ₹55 to ₹200 per month, depending on their age at enrolment. The Central Government makes an equal matching contribution towards the pension fund.
What happens if a PM-KMY pensioner dies?
After the pensioner’s death, the eligible spouse can receive a family pension equal to 50% of the subscriber’s pension, or ₹1,500 per month, subject to applicable conditions.
