High-interest loans from the informal sector inevitably push farmers into a debt trap. To do away with this, the Government of India launched the PM Kisan credit card Scheme in 1998. NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) recommended the scheme that introduced the concept of Kisan credit card (KCC) loans.
These loans are specially offered to farmers and are backed by low interest rates and flexible repayment tenures. So, farmers can fund their farming purchases conveniently, without any hassle. As per the Union Budget 2020, all farmers under the PM Kisan scheme are eligible to own a Kisan credit card. Luckily, the PM Kisan credit card application process is simple. Eligible farmers can apply for the Kisan credit card online and offline.
Many popular banks in India offer the Kisan credit card scheme. Some of the popular banks that offer the option to apply for a Kisan credit card are listed below. Check out the key features of the scheme.
Credit of up to ₹2.50 Lakhs
Choice of term loans and cash credit
Maximum repayment tenure of 1 year for cash credit
Maximum repayment tenure of 7 years for term loans
Dedicated relationship manager to offer suggestions and ensure hassle-free transactions
Free accidental coverage up to ₹50,000
Crop insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for certain crop types
Credit balance fetches interest at the savings bank rate
Loan tenure is 5 years, with approximately a 10% increase in the limit every year, subject to review
3% interest subvention for loans up to ₹3 Lakhs
Repayment period varies based on the cultivation and marketing period of the specific crop
Rupay debit cards for all eligible KCC borrowers
Insurance coverage under the National Crop Insurance scheme for certain crop loan types
Insurance coverage for failed crops
Cheque book with a credit limit of ₹25,000
Credit limit of ₹3 Lakhs
Card validity of five years
Credit period of 12 months
Repayment of loan can be done after the harvest and sale of crops
If you are eligible for the PM Kisan credit card, apply for the same either online or offline, as per your convenience. You can apply for this card online via the website of any bank that offers this product. Alternatively, you can also visit the bank branch in person to apply for the Kisan credit card offline.
If you want a Kisan card, apply online on the website of any bank that offers this facility. The exact process of applying for a PM Kisan credit card online may vary slightly from one bank to another. But broadly speaking, here is what you need to do.
Step 1: Visit the official website of the bank to begin the Kisan credit card online application process.
Step 2: Under the ‘Cards’, select ‘Kisan Credit Card’.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Apply’ option.
Step 4: Fill in the PM Kisan credit card online application form with the required details.
Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’.
Once you have submitted the Kisan credit card application form, you will receive a reference number indicating your PM Kisan credit card online registration. The bank will get back to you with your Kisan credit card application status within 3 to 4 working days.
If you do not wish to apply for a Kisan credit card online, you can also do it offline at a bank branch. You need to follow the steps listed below to do this offline.
Step 1: Download the Kisan credit card application form PDF from the PM Kisan website.
Step 2: Once the form has been filled, visit the nearest bank branch that offers the Kisan credit card scheme.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled form at the bank to initiate the offline application for a Kisan credit card.
Step 4: The bank’s loan officer will then notify you about the credit card loan amount.
If you wish to get a Kisan credit card, applying manually through a Common Service Centre (CSC) is the way to go. The steps that you would have to follow for the same are elaborated below.
Step 1: Visit the official website of the bank that offers the PM Kisan credit card.
Step 2: Search for and download the application form for the credit card from the website.
Step 3: Fill the form manually. Make sure to enter all the key details such as your personal details, land holding details and crop details, among others.
Step 4: Sign and submit the filled in form along with the respective documents at a Common Service Centre (CSC) near you or at the branch of the bank.
That’s it! Your application will be processed and upon successful verification, the Kisan credit card will be dispatched to the address provided by you.
In order to take care of the short-term financial needs, growth and stability of the farmers, the PM of India has launched the Kisan credit card.
It is very important to know about the status of the PM Kisan credit card. Follow these simple steps and check your status easily -
Visit the website https://eseva.csccloud.in/KCC/Default.aspx and visit CSC PM KCC Portal.
Click ‘View Status’ after logging in to their portal by entering your ID of CSC and password.
That’s it! A fresh page will open up wherein you will have to enter the KCC application ID you have been provided with. PM Kisan credit card Status will now appear on the screen.
If you have any queries or grievances, you can get them addressed by contacting the customer care cell of the Kisan credit card scheme. There are multiple ways to get in touch with the KCC customer care.
If you wish to connect via a call, all that you need to do is simply call the numbers - 011-2430 0606 or 1800 115 526. Alternatively, if you wish to send an email, you can address it to - pmkisan-ict@gov.in.
The cash credit limit is sanctioned for a period of 5 years. In the first year, the credit limit will be determined on the basis of the scale of finance for the crop and the extent of the area cultivated, plus 10% of the limit towards post-harvest/household/ consumption requirements, 20% of the limit towards repairs and maintenance expenses of farm assets and crop insurance and/or accident insurance including PAIS, health insurance & asset insurance.
Thereafter, from the second year onward, the Kisan credit card limit will be 10% over the limit of the preceding year.
To activate a PM Kisan account, you would need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the PM Kisan scheme.
Step 2: Under the ‘Farmer’s Corner’, click on the ‘New Farmer Registration’ option.
Step 3: Once redirected to the next page, select whether you want to open a new account as a rural or an urban farmer.
Step 4: Then, fill in the other details requested, such as your Aadhaar number, mobile number, state and captcha.
Step 5: You will receive an OTP on your mobile number. Enter it in the relevant field.
You will then be able to activate your new PM Kisan account.
You can quickly check the available balance on your Kisan Credit Card by logging into the card issuing bank’s online portal. Alternatively, you can also contact the customer care cell by calling either of these two numbers - 011-2430 0606 or 1800 115 526 to get to know your balance.
Many public and private sector banks offer the Kisan Credit Card at varying levels of interest rates. The bank that offers the lowest interest rate is often the most ideal option for the Kisan Credit Card. State Bank of India, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank are a few of the options that you can consider.
The Kisan Credit Card limit applicable to you tends to vary and is determined based on multiple factors such as your estimated income, crop cultivation pattern and acreage, among others.
There are many benefits of getting a Kisan credit card loan, including:
12 months repayment period
Flexible credit limit of ₹10,000 to ₹50,000
Increase credit limit with good repayment history after annual review
Convert and reschedule amount outstanding in case of crop damage or calamity
Clear your debt only after harvest
Simple application and documentation process
Enjoy interest rates similar to those of the agriculture sector.
Yes, you can use your Kisan credit card to withdraw cash at an ATM.