Top Government Schemes for Farmers in India 2026: Benefits, Eligibility and Latest Updates

Indian farmers face several challenges, from rising costs of seeds, fertilisers and farm machinery to unpredictable rainfall, crop damage and fluctuating market prices. To address these concerns, the Government of India offers several government schemes for farmers in 2026 that provide financial assistance, affordable agricultural loans, crop insurance, machinery subsidies and better access to markets.

These initiatives serve different purposes. While the PM-KISAN scheme provides direct income support, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) helps farmers access affordable credit. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offers protection against specified crop losses, while schemes such as the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) support modern farming equipment and efficient irrigation.

The government is also expanding digital agriculture through Farmer IDs, e-NAM and technology-driven initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi. But which schemes can help farmers reduce cultivation costs, protect their income and improve productivity? Here is a detailed guide to the major central government schemes for Indian farmers in 2026, their benefits and the latest figures are available in the supplied information.

Top Government Schemes for Farmers in India in 2026

1. PM-KISAN Scheme: ₹6,000 Annual Financial Assistance

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme provides direct financial assistance to eligible landholding farmer families. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive ₹6,000 annually in three instalments of ₹2,000 each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The money can help farmers manage seasonal expenses, including seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs. Direct transfers also reduce dependence on informal borrowing for smaller expenses.

According to the supplied information, the 23rd instalment was released on 20 June 2026, transferring more than ₹18,880 crore to over 9.44 crore farmers, including more than 2.18 crore women.

Farmers should complete e-KYC, ensure their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts remain active and check their payment status through the official PM-KISAN portal.

Official website: https://pmkisan.gov.in/

2. Kisan Credit Card Scheme: Affordable Loans for Farming

The Kisan Credit Card scheme helps farmers access short-term credit for agricultural activities, including purchasing seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and farm equipment. Credit is also available for eligible allied activities such as dairy farming, animal husbandry and fisheries.

The interest-subvention limit was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh under the measures announced in Budget 2025-26. Eligible borrowers can benefit from a subsidised interest rate, with prompt-repayment incentives potentially bringing the effective rate to around 4% annually under applicable conditions.

KCC can also help farmers finance machinery purchases, including tractors and implements, subject to the bank's lending terms and the farmer's eligibility.

3. PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop Insurance for Farmers

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana protects farmers against specified crop losses caused by insured risks, including certain natural calamities, pests and diseases.

The farmer's maximum premium share is generally:

• Kharif crops: 2% of the sum insured.

• Rabi crops: 1.5% of the sum insured.

• Commercial and horticultural crops: 5% of the sum insured.

The remaining eligible premium is shared by the Centre and state governments under the scheme's provisions. Coverage can include specified yield losses, prevented sowing and eligible post-harvest losses, depending on the notified provisions.

Farmers should enrol within the applicable seasonal deadline and report localised crop damage within the prescribed period. The supplied information recommends reporting such damage within 72 hours.

Official website: https://pmfby.gov.in/

4. Minimum Support Price: Government-Announced Crop Prices

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is announced for eligible agricultural crops to provide a benchmark price and support farmer returns. However, the actual benefit depends on procurement arrangements and whether farmers can sell their produce through designated procurement channels.

According to the supplied information, selected MSPs for 2026-27 include:

These prices are based on the figures in the supplied material. Farmers should check the latest official announcements and local procurement arrangements before making selling decisions.

The PM-AASHA programme also supports measures intended to improve price realisation for eligible farmers, particularly in pulses and oilseeds.

5. SMAM Scheme: Subsidies on Tractors and Farm Machinery

The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) promotes the use of modern agricultural equipment to improve productivity and reduce dependence on manual labour.

Depending on the applicable component, equipment and beneficiary category, eligible farmers may receive financial assistance for machinery such as tractors, harvesters and other agricultural implements. The supplied material cites subsidies of 50% to 80% of machinery costs for eligible categories and activities.

Small and marginal farmers, women farmers and eligible beneficiaries in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories and specified regions may receive targeted support under applicable provisions.

Farmers should check their state agriculture department's guidelines because eligible equipment, subsidy rates, application windows and selection procedures can vary.

6. PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Better Irrigation and Water Savings

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to expand irrigation coverage and improve water-use efficiency.

Its objectives include completing irrigation projects, improving access to water and encouraging micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation. The Per Drop More Crop component promotes efficient water use, which can be particularly valuable in areas facing irregular rainfall or water shortages.

Under the applicable programmes, eligible farmers can receive financial assistance for approved micro-irrigation systems. The supplied material cites support of up to 60% for small and marginal farmers, subject to the relevant component and state rules.

7. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Agricultural Development in 100 Districts

Launched on 11 October 2025, the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana focuses on 100 districts with relatively weak agricultural performance.

The programme has an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore and brings together 36 existing schemes across 11 departments. Its priorities include improving crop productivity, encouraging crop diversification, strengthening irrigation, developing local storage infrastructure and improving access to agricultural credit.

The initiative is intended to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers. Farmers should contact their block agriculture office to check the programme's implementation and available support in their district.

8. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Support for Storage and Processing

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) provides financing support for eligible post-harvest infrastructure and community farming assets.

Farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and eligible agricultural entrepreneurs can explore financing for warehouses, cold chains, sorting and grading facilities and other approved projects.

The scheme provides 3% interest subvention on eligible loans, subject to its conditions. By supporting storage and processing infrastructure, it can help reduce post-harvest losses and improve agricultural supply chains.

The supplied information reports that ₹80,224 crore had been sanctioned across 1,50,431 projects by late January 2026.

9. Soil Health Card Scheme: Use Fertilisers More Efficiently

The Soil Health Card scheme helps farmers understand the nutrient status of their soil and make informed decisions about fertiliser use.

Soil testing assesses parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon, along with other important soil nutrients. Based on the results, farmers receive recommendations for fertiliser application and suitable soil amendments.

The scheme has been incorporated into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as the Soil Health and Fertility component since 2022-23.

Following these recommendations can help farmers avoid unnecessary fertiliser application, manage input costs and maintain soil productivity.

10. e-NAM: Digital Market Access for Agricultural Produce

The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) connects participating agricultural markets through a digital trading platform.

It aims to improve price transparency, facilitate trade between buyers and sellers and expand access to agricultural markets beyond a farmer's immediate locality.

The supplied information cites more than 1.83 crore registered participants across 1,473 mandis. Farmers can explore the platform to understand available market access and trading opportunities, although actual participation and sales depend on local arrangements, produce requirements and platform procedures.

11. Namo Drone Didi: Agricultural Technology Through Women's SHGs

The Namo Drone Didi scheme aims to equip 15,000 selected women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones to provide services such as spraying pesticides and nano-fertilisers.

Under the programme, eligible groups can receive 80% financial assistance, up to ₹8 lakh, towards drone packages under applicable conditions. Selected members also receive training in drone operation and agricultural applications.

The initiative aims to create rural service-based income opportunities while promoting precision spraying and reducing the need for manual application of agricultural chemicals.

12. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses has an outlay of ₹11,440 crore and aims to strengthen domestic pulses production.

Its targets include expanding pulses cultivation by 35 lakh hectares and increasing production from 252.38 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31. The mission focuses on tur, urad and masoor and is intended to benefit nearly two crore farmers.

13. AgriStack and Farmer ID: Digital Access to Agricultural Services

AgriStack is part of the government's Digital Agriculture Mission, which has an outlay of ₹2,817 crore. It includes a Farmer Registry, geo-referenced village maps and a digital crop-sown registry.

According to the supplied information, more than 10.31 crore Farmer IDs had been created by 3 August 2026. The digital identity is increasingly being linked to services such as PM-KISAN, crop insurance, agricultural credit and MSP procurement.

Farmers without smartphones can seek assistance through Common Service Centres (CSCs), FPOs and Krishi Sakhis. The government has also announced Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform.

How Farmers Can Make the Most of Government Schemes in 2026

Farmers should begin by checking their eligibility and completing the required registrations. A practical checklist includes:

1. Verify Farmer ID: Check registration through the relevant state portal or Common Service Centre.

2. Complete PM-KISAN e-KYC: Confirm Aadhaar and bank account details.

3. Apply for KCC: Explore eligible credit limits and repay loans on time to retain applicable benefits.

4. Register for crop insurance: Follow the seasonal PMFBY enrolment deadline.

5. Check machinery subsidies: Contact the state agriculture department before purchasing eligible equipment.

6. Explore irrigation support: Check available assistance for approved drip and sprinkler systems.

7. Check MSP procurement: Confirm notified prices, procurement dates and registered centres.

8. Explore infrastructure finance: Eligible farmers, FPOs and cooperatives can investigate AIF financing for approved projects.

Also Read: Agricultural Machinery & Farm Equipment: Differences, Types, Uses and Benefits for Farmers

CMV360 Says

Government schemes for farmers in India in 2026 cover several important needs, including income support, affordable credit, crop insurance, farm mechanisation, irrigation, storage and digital market access. However, the benefits differ by scheme, location, beneficiary category and eligibility requirements.

For farmers, the most useful approach is to identify their immediate needs, verify the applicable scheme guidelines and apply through official channels. Using these programmes effectively can help manage cultivation costs, improve access to modern farming technology and build greater resilience against agricultural risks.

Disclaimer: Scheme figures, eligibility criteria, subsidy rates and application deadlines may change. The information above reflects the supplied material and is intended for general awareness. Verify the latest details with the relevant government department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which government scheme provides ₹6,000 to farmers annually?

The PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible landholding farmer families in three instalments of ₹2,000 each.

2. What is the Kisan Credit Card loan limit in 2026?

The interest-subvention limit was increased to ₹5 lakh under Budget 2025-26 measures, subject to applicable eligibility and lending conditions.

3. Which government scheme provides crop insurance?

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides crop insurance against specified insured risks.

4. Can farmers get subsidies on tractors and agricultural machinery?

Eligible farmers can explore support under SMAM and relevant state programmes. Subsidy rates and eligible machinery depend on the applicable guidelines.

5. How can farmers check official scheme details?

Farmers can visit the PM-KISAN portal at pmkisan.gov.in and the PMFBY portal at pmfby.gov.in. They can also consult the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, state agriculture departments and local agriculture offices.