Kisan Credit Card Scheme, Farmers Can Avail Loans Up to ₹3 Lakh for Agricultural Activities

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme was launched by the Government of India to provide low-interest loans to farmers for agricultural activities. Through this scheme, the government has benefited over 66.7 million farmers so far. The KCC Scheme offers low-interest loans to farmers for agricultural activities, which are provided through Kisan Credit Cards issued by banks. This scheme helps farmers increase their productivity and promotes activities such as animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries.

Loan Amount under the Kisan Credit Card Scheme:

Under the KCC Scheme, all financial institutions are provided with an annual interest subsidy of 1.5% on short-term agricultural loans by the Government of India. Farmers are given short-term loans at an interest rate of 7% by banks. The government provides an annual subsidy of up to 3% to those farmers who repay their short-term loans on time. The interest rate for farmers can be reduced to 4% per annum, encouraging them to take advantage of the scheme. Farmers can avail of short-term loans of up to ₹3 lakh for agricultural needs. These loans can be easily accessed via Kisan Credit Cards/Debit Cards through ATMs. The Kisan Credit Card is valid for only five years, and crop insurance is mandatory under the scheme. Eligible farmers will receive their Kisan Credit Cards within 15 days of verification by the banks.

Objectives of the Kisan Credit Card Scheme:

The main objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to farmers for their agricultural needs. Farmers can easily obtain loan amounts from banks through the Kisan Credit Card. They can use these loans for crop cultivation, dairy farming, fisheries, animal husbandry, and post-harvest expenses.

Benefits for Farmers:

• Farmers can avail of loans up to ₹3 lakh under this scheme.
• They will be charged an interest rate of 7% on the loan amount.
• The loan amount must be repaid within one year.
• Farmers will be provided with Kisan Credit Cards/Debit Cards, allowing them to withdraw money from ATMs easily.
• This scheme is particularly beneficial for farmers living in areas affected by natural disasters.

Eligibility for the Kisan Credit Card Scheme:

• Farmers who own land and are engaged in farming.
• Farmers involved in fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairy farming.
• Tenant farmers, oral lessees, and sharecroppers are also eligible to apply for this scheme.
• Required Documents for Availing Benefits

Application form:

• Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, and driving license, etc.
• Residence proof
• Land records documents
• Passport size photographs (2)

Application Process: Farmers can apply for the Kisan Credit Card Scheme through two methods: online and offline.

Online Application Process: To apply for the KCC Scheme, applicants need to visit the official website [https://eseva.csccloud.in/KCC/Default.aspx](https://eseva.csccloud.in/KCC/Default.aspx) and fill out all the required information before submitting the form.

Offline Application Process: Farmers can download the offline application form for the Kisan Credit Card from commercial banks, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation, and Farmers Welfare's website, or the PM-Kisan portal. After filling out all the details in the application form, a photocopy of the land records must be attached and submitted to the relevant bank.