Analysis of pecuniary status of beneficiaries under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in Ayodhya division, Uttar Pradesh

India’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, supporting 58% of the population. Despite being a global leader in production, the sector faces issues like low returns and cash crunches for small farmers due to oversupply post-harvest. To address this, the government consistently reforms various policies and programs to support farmers and mitigate agricultural challenges. One such initiative, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, was launched in December 2018 as a centrally funded program to assist farmers in purchasing essential agricultural inputs. This scheme represents a significant shift from existing agricultural support programs, offering broader benefits, particularly to resource-constrained farmers facing financial hardships. The present study was conducted in Uttar Pradesh, where 32 villages were randomly selected based on the availability of beneficiary farmers across Milkipur, Haringtonganj, Mawai, Amaniganj, Amethi, Musafirkhana, Gauriganj and Jagdishpur blocks. A proportional random sampling technique was used to select 320 farmers from the Ayodhya and Amethi districts all of whom were beneficiaries of the PM-Kisan scheme. Key findings of the study revealed that 48.44% of the respondents belonged to the old age group and the majority were educated. Among them, 44.37% belonged to the OBC category. Most respondents came from medium-sized families with 65.94% living in joint family systems. Additionally, 41.87% were marginal farmers and 46.25% had an annual income ranging between ₹44,624 and ₹1,02,623. Furthermore, 38.44% were engaged in both farming and business simultaneously. Regarding material possession, 73.75% of respondents had a medium level, while 61.25% demonstrated a moderate scientific orientation and 58.44% exhibited a medium level of risk orientation. Moreover, 65.94% of PM-Kisan beneficiaries showed moderate economic motivation. The Gram Pradhan emerged as the primary point of contact with official sources. Additionally, 63.75% displayed a moderate level of innovativeness and 72.19% had medium farming experience. These findings provide valuable insights into the socio-economic profile of PM-Kisan beneficiaries, highlighting their engagement with modern farming techniques. The study offers strategic recommendations for policymakers at both the state and national levels to address challenges and enhance the overall well-being of beneficiary farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme nationwide.