Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Crop loans up to Rs 5 lakh, with collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 lakh |
| Who can apply | Farmers, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, SHGs and JLGs |
| How it is paid | Loan from a bank, credited to your account, with a card for withdrawals |
| Apply at | Your bank branch, a Regional Rural Bank or a cooperative bank, or online through the Kisan Rin Portal |
| Cost to apply | No application fee charged by the government |
Key points
- Short-term crop loans can carry an interest rate of about 7 percent.
- Prompt repayment can bring the effective rate down to about 4 percent.
- Loans up to Rs 2 lakh can be taken without collateral.
- Accident insurance cover comes with the card.
So what exactly does a farmer get?
A Kisan Credit Card gives you a loan limit from your bank. You can draw money as you need it for farming.
There are two kinds of credit. Cash credit covers working capital, like seeds, fertilizer and pesticides. Term credit covers bigger items, like a pump set, drip irrigation or cattle.
For 2025-26, the crop loan limit has been raised to Rs 5 lakh. Loans up to Rs 2 lakh can be taken without collateral.
Short-term crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh carry about 7 percent interest. Paying on time under the interest subvention scheme can bring it down to about 4 percent.
Card holders also get personal accident insurance. The cover is up to Rs 50,000 for death or permanent disability, and up to Rs 25,000 for other risks. Amounts can change, so please confirm the current figures on the official site.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
Most farmers can apply. This includes owner cultivators, tenant farmers, oral lessees and sharecroppers.
Self Help Groups and Joint Liability Groups can also apply. Fishers and animal keepers are covered under the allied sector rules too.
You must be engaged in farming or an allied activity. Your bank will check your land papers and your repayment record before approving the loan.
This scheme is for individual farmers and groups. It is not a loan for non-farm business.
How did this scheme begin, and what has changed?
The Kisan Credit Card scheme started in August 1998. NABARD prepared the model scheme on the recommendations of the R. V. Gupta Committee.
It is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with banks as the lending partners. Its aim is to give farmers timely credit without depending on informal lenders.
Over time, the scheme has grown to include animal husbandry and fisheries. The loan limit and collateral rules have been revised in recent years.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card and PAN card ready.
Keep your land records, such as khatauni or the record of rights. Tenant farmers should keep their lease or sharecropping papers.
Keep passport-size photographs, your bank account details and a mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Your bank may ask for more papers, so check with them before you visit.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Visit the Kisan Rin Portal or your bank's website and look for the Kisan Credit Card application.
Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number and land details. Upload the documents the form asks for.
Submit the form and note the application number. Track it on the portal or call your bank.
The bank checks your papers and sanctions the limit. After that, the card is issued.
How do you apply offline, at a bank?
You can visit any commercial bank, Regional Rural Bank or cooperative bank near you.
Ask for the Kisan Credit Card application form. Fill it in and attach your documents.
Meet the branch manager or the agriculture officer at the bank. They will explain the loan limit and interest.
What should you check if your application is stuck?
Ask the bank for your application status first. Keep the acknowledgment slip safe.
Most delays come from missing land papers, a mismatch in name or Aadhaar details, or an incomplete form.
If the bank does not respond, you can raise a complaint on the Kisan Rin Portal or with the district lead bank office.
What should you avoid, and who should you call?
Never pay an agent to get a Kisan Credit Card. The scheme does not charge a fee for applying.
Do not share your OTP or card details with anyone who calls you.
For help, contact your bank branch or the agriculture office in your district. Check the official site for the latest helpline numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply for a Kisan Credit Card?
The scheme does not charge a government application fee. Never pay an agent for it.
Can a tenant farmer get a Kisan Credit Card?
Yes. Tenant farmers, oral lessees and sharecroppers can apply with proof of their farming arrangement.
How long is the card valid?
The credit limit is valid for five years and is reviewed every year. It can be extended for up to three more years.
Do I need collateral for a loan?
Loans up to Rs 2 lakh can be taken without collateral. Larger loans need collateral as per the scheme rules.
Can I use the card for household needs?
The scheme allows some household consumption along with farming needs. Ask your bank how much is allowed in your case.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
