Evaluating the utilization and effectiveness of PM-KISAN scheme funds in Hardoi district

The present study was conducted during the year 2024–25 in the Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh to assess the fund utilization patterns among Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme beneficiaries. Data were collected from 160 beneficiaries through a structured personal interview schedule. The ex-post factor research design was applied for this study in which the researcher does not have direct control of independent variables because of their manifestation has occurred or because they are inherently not manipulable. The analysis revealed that 48.12 % of the beneficiaries utilized the funds for agricultural purposes, while 30.62 % used them for non-agricultural purposes. Additionally, 21.25 % of the respondents reported using the funds for both agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. Among those who utilized the funds for agricultural activities, 93.50 % used them specifically for purchasing fertilizers. For non-agricultural purposes, 85.71 % of the beneficiaries spent the funds on household expenses, followed by 51.02 % for miscellaneous purposes, 36.73 % for medical expenses and only 16.32 % for educational purposes. Notably, among those who used the funds for both purposes, 100 % spent on household needs and 94.11 % used the funds for fertilizers. Further statistical analysis showed that variables such as age, education and social participation were positively and significantly associated with fund utilization patterns at the 1 % level of probability. Landholding size was also positively correlated and significant at the 5 % level. However, variables such as occupation, availability of farm implements, housing pattern and annual income were found to be statistically non-significant.