Kisan Credit Card: How to get a Kisan Credit Card? Find out about the required documents and the complete application process..

Kisan Credit Card Scheme: The Central Government's Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme is proving highly effective in providing timely credit at affordable interest rates to Indian farmers for agriculture and related needs. The primary objective of this scheme is to protect farmers from the debt traps of moneylenders—who charge exorbitant interest rates—and to integrate them into the formal banking system.

Initially, the KCC scheme focused primarily on seasonal crop cultivation expenses, but it has now been expanded to include allied activities such as animal husbandry, dairy farming, fisheries, poultry, and beekeeping. Let us look at who is eligible for this card, the required documents, and the application process.

Who can avail of the Kisan Credit Card?

The eligibility criteria for the KCC scheme have been kept quite simple:

Farmers owning land: Land-owning farmers cultivating land either individually or jointly.

Sharecroppers and tenant farmers: Lessees, sharecroppers, and farmers cultivating leased land.

Farmer groups: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or Joint Liability Groups (JLGs).

Farmers in allied sectors: Farmers engaged in animal husbandry, dairy, poultry, shrimp farming, and fisheries.

Key benefits and interest rates of KCC

Affordable interest rate: The standard interest rate on KCC is 7%. However, the government offers an additional 3% rebate to farmers who repay their loans on time, bringing the effective interest rate down to just 4% per annum.

Collateral-free loan: Loans up to ₹2 lakh can be easily obtained without pledging any land or assets.

Revolving credit limit: The KCC functions like a credit card, offering a fixed credit limit that allows farmers to withdraw and deposit funds according to their needs.

Documents required

You will need the following documents when applying for a KCC:

Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, or Driving License. Proof of address: Aadhaar card, ration card, or electricity bill.
Land documents: Land records (Khatauni/Khasra/7-12 extract) or proof of lease/tenancy.
Crop details: Self-declaration regarding the crop sown and the cultivated area.
Passport-sized photograph: Two passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
How to apply for the Kisan Credit Card?

You can obtain a Kisan Credit Card through commercial banks, regional rural banks, or cooperative banks:

1. Through a bank branch

Visit your nearest bank branch or Common Service Centre (CSC).

Obtain the KCC application form and fill it out.

Attach the required ID proof, address proof, and land documents to the form and submit it.

The KCC will be issued to you after the bank verifies your documents and approves the loan.

2. Online process

Step 1- Visit the official website or mobile banking app of the bank where you hold an account.

Step 2- Go to the 'Kisan Credit Card' section and fill out the application form.

Step 3- Upload digital copies of the required documents and submit the form.

Step 4- If you are a beneficiary of the PM-Kisan scheme, you can get immediate approval via a simple one-page form, as your e-KYC and land details are already verified.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.