Kisan Credit Card

Kisan Credit Card Scheme

In an attempt to financially assist farmers of the country, the Government of India launched the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme in the year 1998. Also known as the PM Kisan Credit Card Yojana, this scheme was created by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to provide farmers with credit cards. 

The credit cards can be used by farmers to purchase seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, and more on short-term credit. That’s not all. They can also use it to withdraw cash from ATMs for managing their agricultural expenses and avail loans. 

In addition to the KCC scheme, the Indian government also launched the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme in the 2019 Interim Union Budget. Under this scheme, farmers are eligible to avail income support up to ₹6,000 every year. 

To ensure that the income support is made available to all farmers, the Indian government brought the Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme and the Kisan Credit Card Scheme together in Budget 2020. As a result, all beneficiaries of the Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme have now become eligible to apply for a Kisan Card.   

PM Kisan Credit Card

Borrowing from the unorganised sector usually attracts exorbitant interest on the sum borrowed. To protect farmers from this unwarranted financial pressure, the PM Kisan Credit Card was launched. This special credit card for farmers allows them to borrow funds at low interest rates. 

That said, the rate of interest tends to vary from one issuing bank to another, with the average interest rates being around 7% per annum. That’s not all. The repayment period for the KCC card loan is also very flexible, as farmers can choose to start repaying once their produce is harvested.

Top Banks Offering Kisan Credit Cards 

Now that you’re aware of what Kisan Credit Cards are, let’s take a look at some of the top banks that offer this card and the various features and charges that come with it. 

How to Apply for a Kisan Credit Card 

Applying for the Kisan card is extremely easy. You can either choose to do it online or offline. Here’s a quick look at the process that you need to follow in both these cases. 

Online Application Process 

• Step 1: Visit the issuing bank’s website. 

• Step 2: Select ‘Kisan Credit Card’ from the list of credit card options on the website.

• Step 3: Click on the ‘Apply’ button.

• Step 4: Fill and submit the KCC application form along with the necessary documents. 

That’s it. Your application will be processed and if found eligible, the card will be sent to your address within a few days. 

Offline Application Process 

• Visit a branch of the issuing bank. 

• Get the PM Kisan Credit Card application form from the bank’s representative. 

• Fill the form and submit it along with all the necessary documentation.

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Kisan credit card

Before you go ahead with your application, it is important to first be aware of the Kisan credit card eligibility that you’re required to satisfy and the documents that need to be submitted. So, let’s take a look at both of these aspects. 

Eligibility Criteria for KCC

To be eligible to apply for Kisan Credit Card, the applicant must be one of the following - 

• An individual borrower who is an owner cultivator 

• Joint borrowers who are owner cultivators

• A tenant farmer

• An Oral Lessee 

• A sharecropper

• A Self-Help Group (SHG) or a Joint-Liability Group (JLG) of farmers

Documents Required for KCC 

The list of documents that you’re required to submit as part of the application process are as follows. That said, be advised that the list of documents may vary from one bank to another. 

• A copy of your identity proof - PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter’s ID

• A copy of your address proof - Aadhaar, Passport, Voter’s ID, or Driving Licence 

• A duly-filled KCC scheme application form 

• A copy of the proof of landholding certified by the Revenue authorities 

• Two passport size photographs 

Features and Benefits of the Kisan Credit Card 

Wondering what the Kisan Credit Card benefits are? Let’s take a look at a few of the features and advantages that you get to enjoy. 

• Kisan Credit Card scheme available to farmers in agriculture and other allied activities 

• Eligible amount of loan may go up to ₹3 lakh or more in some cases 

• Hassle-free and quick loan disbursement process 

• Flexible loan repayment that can be done after the harvest season

• Access to discounts as well as assistance when purchasing fertilisers, seeds, and more

• Collateral-free borrowing if the loan amount is within ₹1.60 lakhs

• Low interest rates on loans, with the average rate hovering around 7%  

• Discounts on interest rate for prompt repayments

• Up to ₹50,000 insurance coverage against permanent disability or death

• Insurance cover up to ₹25,000 for other risks 

• Kisan Credit Card available for meeting post-harvest expenses too

KCC Credit Limit 

As per the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines, there is no set KCC limit. In fact, lending institutions are free to sanction the amount they wish to, depending on their selection criteria. This may include taking into account the farmer’s monthly income, the cropped area and patterns, or both these aspects.

Interest Rates and Other Charges on KCC

The rate of interest and other charges like processing charges and inspection charges can vary from one issuing bank to another. To get a good idea of what the rates and charges are, make sure to read through the terms and conditions of the Kisan Credit Card scheme offered by the bank thoroughly. 

How to Contact the Kisan Credit Card Customer Care

If you have any queries, grievances, or doubts regarding the Kisan Credit Card Yojana, you can always get in touch with the customer care to get them clarified. 

If you wish to speak to Kisan Credit Card customer care, all that you need to do is call toll-free numbers - 155261 or 1800 115 526. Alternatively, you can also reach them by calling this number - 0120-6025109. 

On the other hand, if you wish to register your KCC-related issues and grievances in writing, you can send an email to pmkisan-ict@gov.in