State-wise PM-KISAN Performance: Which States Benefit the Most?
- Mar 17
- 5 min read

In the shifting landscape of Indian agriculture, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) remains the backbone of financial stability for millions. As we step into March 2026, the scheme has not just reached a milestone in terms of installments but has also evolved into a data-driven model for rural empowerment.
But with billions being disbursed, a critical question remains for policymakers and farmers alike: Which states are leading the charge, and why do some benefit more than others? This comprehensive analysis of the PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026 dives deep into the latest data, beneficiary counts, and the regional impact of India’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative.
The 2026 Milestone: The 22nd Installment Overview
On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 22nd installment of PM-KISAN from Guwahati, Assam. This release saw a disbursement of over ₹18,640 crore directly into the bank accounts of approximately 9.32 crore farmer families.
Since its inception in February 2019, the scheme has now transferred a cumulative total of over ₹4.27 lakh crore. While the number of beneficiaries has seen a slight dip compared to the previous year—primarily due to rigorous "Saturation Drives" and the removal of ineligible entries—the quality of delivery has improved through mandatory e-KYC and Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.
Analyzing the PM-KISAN State-wise Performance 2026
When we look at the PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026, the data reveals a clear regional trend. Larger agrarian states naturally dominate the numbers, but the efficiency of land record digitization in these states has been the real game-changer.
1. Uttar Pradesh: The Unrivaled Leader
Uttar Pradesh continues to be the largest beneficiary of the scheme. In the 20th and 21st installments (2025), the state boasted over 2.34 crore beneficiaries. The sheer scale of agricultural land and the state's proactive approach in integrating land records with the PM-KISAN portal have ensured that nearly 25% of all PM-KISAN funds flow into UP.
2. Maharashtra: Excellence in Digital Integration
With approximately 92 lakh beneficiaries, Maharashtra holds the second spot. The state has been a pioneer in using the Face-Authentication-based Mobile App for e-KYC, making it easier for farmers in remote regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada to access funds without visiting Common Service Centers (CSCs).
3. Madhya Pradesh and Bihar: Scaling the Ranks
Madhya Pradesh: Home to over 83 lakh beneficiaries, MP has leveraged the scheme to support its growing soyabean and wheat clusters.
Bihar: Following closely with 75.8 lakh beneficiaries, Bihar’s performance has been boosted by the recent "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra," which added over 1 crore farmers nationally, a significant portion of whom were from the eastern belt.
4. West Bengal: The Late Bloomer
After a delayed start, West Bengal has shown a rapid increase in beneficiary registration. By 2026, the state has streamlined its land record verification, allowing millions of small and marginal farmers in the delta regions to finally receive their ₹6,000 annual support.
Comparative Data: Top 5 States by Beneficiary Count (2026 Estimates)
State | Estimated Beneficiaries (Cr) | Impact Level | Key Focus Area |
Uttar Pradesh | 2.35 | Very High | Sugarcane, Wheat, Rice |
Maharashtra | 0.93 | High | Cotton, Soyabean, Pulses |
Madhya Pradesh | 0.84 | High | Wheat, Gram, Soyabean |
Bihar | 0.76 | High | Maize, Rice, Makhana |
Rajasthan | 0.72 | Medium-High | Mustard, Bajra, Spices |
Why Do Certain States Outperform Others?
The variance in PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026 isn't just about the number of farmers; it’s about administrative agility.
Digital Land Records
States like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were early adopters of digital land registries. In 2026, the Central Government made Farmer IDs mandatory for new registrations in 14 states (including UP, MP, and Tamil Nadu). States that completed this registry work early saw fewer payment rejections.
The e-KYC and Saturation Drives
The "Saturation Drive" launched in late 2024 has reached its peak in 2026. This drive focused on "leaving no farmer behind." States that conducted village-level camps (like the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra) saw a spike in their performance metrics.
Challenges in Small States and UTs
In contrast, states like Goa and Union Territories like Lakshadweep have the lowest beneficiary counts. This is attributed to:
Land Document Mismatch: Issues with the spelling of names in Aadhaar vs. Land Records.
Urbanization: A higher percentage of the population moving away from active cultivation.
Aadhaar Seeding: In some North-Eastern states, the process of seeding bank accounts with Aadhaar is still catching up to the national average.
Impact Assessment: How Farmers Are Using the Funds in 2026
According to recent studies by the Ministry of Agriculture, the ₹2,000 installment (thrice a year) is used primarily for:
Input Procurement (66%): Buying high-quality seeds and fertilizers before the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Modern Technology (18%): Small-scale farmers are now using these funds to pay for Drone Spraying services, which have become subsidized and popular in 2026.
Debt Reduction: Avoiding high-interest loans from local moneylenders for immediate liquidity needs.
"The PM-KISAN scheme is not just an income support; it is a liquidity tool that ensures the farmer doesn't have to wait for a bank loan to start sowing." — Agricultural Analyst, 2026 Review.
New Guidelines for 2026: What Farmers Need to Know
To maintain the integrity of the PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026, the government has tightened several rules:
Mandatory Farmer ID: New applicants in 14 major states must provide a unique Farmer ID linked to their land records.
Face Authentication: The PM-KISAN mobile app now allows farmers to complete e-KYC via face scan, eliminating the need for biometrics or OTPs.
Physical Verification: As of March 2026, 5% of beneficiaries in every block undergo random physical verification to weed out "ghost beneficiaries."
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which state has the highest number of beneficiaries in PM-KISAN 2026?
Uttar Pradesh holds the top spot in the PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026, with over 2.34 crore registered and verified farmers receiving benefits.
2. Why is my PM-KISAN 22nd installment delayed?
Common reasons for delay in 2026 include:
e-KYC Incomplete: You must complete e-KYC via the portal or app.
Aadhaar-Bank Seeding: Your bank account must be linked to your Aadhaar for DBT.
Land Seeding: Your land records must be verified by the state authorities.
3. How can I check the PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026 for my region?
You can visit the official PM-KISAN Portal, go to the 'Dashboard' section, and filter by State, District, and Village to see real-time data on disbursements and beneficiary counts.
4. Is the Farmer ID mandatory for everyone in 2026?
It is mandatory for new registrations in 14 specific states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN state-wise performance 2026 reflects a massive digital transformation in Indian agriculture. While states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra lead in volume, the focus has shifted from mere "enrollment" to "accuracy and saturation." For the Indian farmer, these ₹6,000 are more than just a subsidy; they represent a safety net that encourages investment in better seeds, new technologies like drones, and sustainable farming practices.
As the government aims for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the data from PM-KISAN will be the primary tool for identifying districts that need more targeted agricultural advancement through initiatives like the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana.
Stay Updated & Take Action
Are you a farmer or a stakeholder looking for more information? Use the links below to check your status or learn more about the scheme.
Check Your Status: Official PM-KISAN Beneficiary Status
Complete Your e-KYC: PM-KISAN e-KYC Portal
View State Dashboard: PM-KISAN Real-time Dashboard
Download the App: PM-KISAN Mobile App (Google Play)



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