International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
AM Chavai, KR Kadam, AS Dahatonde, RN Kad and AP Lawand

abstract
The present study explores the perceptions of farmers regarding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, utilizing an ex-post facto research design. Ahilyanagar was purposively selected due to its highest beneficiary count in the state, with Newasa and Sangamner tehsils chosen for their significant participation. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, selecting five villages per tehsil and 15 respondents from each, resulting in a sample of 150 farmers. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule for the year 2022-2023. The findings reveal that a substantial majority of beneficiaries perceive the scheme as beneficial, particularly in procuring agricultural inputs (66.00% strongly agree, 34.00% agree), improving crop health, and increasing yields and income. However, issues such as insufficient financial assistance, delays in installment disbursement, and concerns about ineligible beneficiaries were noted. While 50.67% of respondents exhibited a medium perception towards the scheme, 30.00% had a high perception, and only a minority reported low or very low perception. The study underscores the need for enhanced awareness, timely support, and process simplification to maximize the scheme’s effectiveness and outreach, offering valuable insights for policymakers and extension professionals.