PM-Kisan 22nd Instalment before Union Budget? Millions of Bihar farmers face a catch

As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, uncertainty over the release of the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme has triggered concern among millions of farmers, particularly in Bihar, where a new mandatory Farmer ID requirement threatens to exclude a large section of beneficiaries.

The Centre is expected to release the 22nd PM-Kisan instalment in February 2026, following the four-month payment cycle. However, unlike previous years, the government has decided that only farmers with a valid Farmer Registration ID will be eligible for the ₹2,000 payout.

With no official announcement yet on the instalment date, speculation is rife that the payment could be made just ahead of the Union Budget.

Bihar Faces Major Exclusion Risk

In Bihar, more than 8.5 million farmers are registered under PM-Kisan. Until last year, nearly 7.5 million farmers were regularly receiving benefits. However, official data suggests that only around 3 million farmers have completed Farmer ID registration, putting over 5 million farmers at risk of missing the upcoming instalment.

While over 6.5 million farmers have completed e-KYC, the newly mandated Farmer ID has emerged as the biggest hurdle. Farmers without this ID will not only lose PM-Kisan benefits but may also be excluded from subsidised crop loans, agricultural subsidies, and insurance schemes.

State Government Scrambles to Boost Registration

Bihar Agriculture Minister Ramkripal Yadav admitted that farmer registration remains a serious challenge. “As per the Centre’s decision, Farmer ID registration is mandatory to receive benefits. We are coordinating with the Revenue and Land Reforms Department to ensure maximum farmers as possible are covered,” he said.

According to officials, once a Farmer ID is generated, farmers will be able to access multiple government schemes through a single integrated platform. Senior officials have also urged the Chief Minister to prioritise the issue amid growing farmer anxiety ahead of the Budget.

Special Drives Yield Limited Results

Despite special campaigns between January 6 and January 21, progress has been slow. In Patna district alone, camps were organised in 322 panchayats across 23 blocks, targeting 1.48 lakh farmers. However, only 62,000 Farmer IDs were generated—about 40% of the target.

District Magistrate Tyagarajan SM said the Centre aims to ensure transparent and timely assistance. “A mission-mode campaign is underway to accelerate Farmer ID registration,” he said.

Uneven District-wise Performance

Registration rates vary sharply across districts. While Vaishali, Begusarai, Sheohar, Buxar and Sheikhpura have crossed 60% coverage, districts like Saran, Siwan, Jamui and East Champaran remain below 20%.

Revenue and Land Reforms Secretary Jai Singh cited outdated land records as a key obstacle. “Many land titles are still in ancestors’ names, affecting registration. A fresh special campaign will be launched soon to ensure PM-Kisan beneficiaries are not left out,” he said.

As farmers nationwide await clarity on the PM-Kisan 22nd instalment ahead of the Union Budget 2026, Bihar’s situation highlights how administrative gaps could overshadow a flagship welfare scheme meant to provide timely relief.