Lucknow: Agriculture plays a vital role in Uttar Pradesh’s economy, with lakhs of families depending on it directly or indirectly. When an earning member of a farming family dies or is disabled in an accident, the household faces a serious financial crisis, affecting children’s education, daily sustenance and other needs. To ease this burden, the state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, runs the Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana, which provides immediate financial support to affected families.
Financial security for families after an accident
The scheme has been in force in the state since September 14, 2019, and is implemented through District Magistrates. In case of accidental death or disability, eligible farmers or their families can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh. Coverage is not limited to landowners recorded in the khatauni (land records). It also extends to families that genuinely depend on agriculture, including eligible landless farmers and sharecroppers (batai cultivators).
Who is eligible
Under the scheme, “farmer” includes account holders and joint account holders recorded in the khatauni. Earning members of their families whose main livelihood comes from agricultural income on the land recorded in their name are also eligible. In addition, landless persons who farm land received on lease (patta) or taken on sharecropping, and who depend mainly on that work for their livelihood, are covered.
Support in a moment of crisis
The assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh can help families meet immediate financial needs, ease sudden pressure and plan for the future. The provision reflects the government’s emphasis on supporting agricultural families not only in terms of production and income, but also social security.
Budget and beneficiaries
The state government is providing adequate financial resources for the scheme.
- 2025-26: A total of Rs 1,050 crore was provisioned. The entire amount was released according to district demand, benefiting about 28,243 people.
- 2026-27: Rs 1,150 crore has been provisioned. Financial approval has been given for a first instalment of 25 per cent (Rs 287.50 crore) and a second instalment of 50 per cent (Rs 575.00 crore). So far, Rs 814.57 crore has been allocated according to district demand, benefiting about 17,168 dependent families.
The government says it is continuing to strengthen the arrangement so that farming families have financial protection in the event of an accident.
A strong link in social security for farming families
The scheme’s significance goes beyond financial aid, as it also strengthens the sense of social security among rural families. Farming is inherently labour-intensive, and the risk of accidents cannot be eliminated entirely. What can be developed, officials note, is an effective system to help families recover financially afterwards. The inclusion of landless lessees and sharecroppers broadens the scheme’s social base further.
