PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana: Monthly Pension for Small Farmers—Know Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The Government of India continues to roll out welfare schemes aimed at uplifting the farming community. One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)—a pension scheme designed to offer financial security to small and marginal farmers during their old age. This scheme plays a critical role in ensuring that farmers, who often lack stable retirement support, receive a fixed monthly pension after the age of 60.

In this article, we’ll explain how the scheme works, who is eligible, what benefits it offers, and how to apply—both online and offline.

✅ What is PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for farmers with limited income and landholdings. Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the objective is to ensure that farmers above 60 years of age receive ₹3,000 per month as a pension to help meet their basic needs.

Under the scheme:

• Farmers contribute a small amount monthly, based on their age at the time of enrollment.

• The central government matches the contribution equally.

• After reaching the age of 60 years, the farmer begins receiving a fixed pension.

👨🌾 Who is Eligible?

To enroll in the scheme, farmers must meet the following criteria:

• Age between 18 and 40 years

• Own less than 2 hectares of cultivable land

• Monthly income should be ₹15,000 or less

• Not a taxpayer (should not be paying income tax)

Farmers who are already beneficiaries of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana can also enroll, and the contribution will be auto-debited from the same account.

💸 Contribution Structure

The monthly contribution is based on the farmer’s age at the time of joining:

• At 18 years, contribution = ₹55/month

• At 40 years, contribution = ₹200/month

The government contributes an equal matching amount. Once the farmer turns 60, they start receiving a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for life.

🧾 What Happens After the Farmer’s Death?

If the enrolled farmer passes away before or after retirement, the spouse becomes eligible to receive a monthly pension of ₹1,500. This ensures some level of economic security for the family and helps them manage financial challenges during difficult times.

This family benefit clause makes PM-KMY not just a pension plan for the farmer, but a social security cushion for the household.

📍 How to Apply for PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana

There are two ways to register for the scheme—offline via Common Service Centres (CSCs) and online via the official website.

Offline Registration (at CSC):

Farmers need to visit their nearest CSC with the following documents:

• Aadhaar card

• Bank passbook

• Land ownership documents

• One passport-sized photograph

The CSC operator will assist with the digital enrollment and ensure proper submission of the form.

Online Registration:

Farmers can also apply online by visiting the official portal: maandhan.in

From there:

• Choose “Kisan Maandhan Yojana”

• Fill in your details and upload documents

• Confirm registration and receive acknowledgment

This option is ideal for those who prefer to manage their application from home.

🔍 Key Highlights Feature Details

Monthly Pension	₹3,000 after 60 years of age
Contribution	₹55 to ₹200/month (based on entry age)
Eligibility Age	18–40 years
Land Holding	Less than 2 hectares
Monthly Income Cap	₹15,000
Government Contribution	Equal to farmer’s contribution
Spouse Benefit	₹1,500/month in case of death

🧠 Why You Should Enroll

Agriculture remains a high-risk sector with low retirement benefits. The PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana offers a secure, government-backed pension plan that:

• Requires minimal monthly investment

• Offers guaranteed pension returns

• Provides support for surviving spouses

• Is simple to enroll in and manage

✅ Final Thoughts

The PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana is a lifeline for small and marginal farmers, offering dignity and financial independence in their senior years. If you or someone you know fits the eligibility criteria, make sure to register as early as possible to maximize the benefits.

With a small contribution today, you can secure a steady income tomorrow.