Last Updated on 25/12/2023 by Deepak Singla
Indian farmers often have to face difficulties while arranging short-term finances in the planting and harvesting seasons and to cope up with other agricultural requirements. They have to depend solely on the unorganised sector and face exorbitant interest rates. Realising the potential and need for such short-term funds, the RBI launched the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
As per the latest June 2019 update, the Indian Government aims to reach out to 1 Crore farmers through this small-credit scheme. This KCC credit facility offers Indian farmers, a steady source of credit to prevent them from falling into a debt trap, a common end result of informal borrowing due to their income instability.
What is the Kisan Credit Card scheme?
Also referred to as Pradhan Mantri KCC Yojana, it granted Indian farmers access to formal credit facilities from financial institutions. With this advance, farmers can purchase seeds, pesticides, fertilisers and pesticides, among other agricultural products.
With this specialised credit card facility, farmers can now have access to low-interest funding from financial institutions. They are handed a passbook stating details of loan limit, land holdings, and beneficiaries. KCC is also issued by NBFCs, regional rural banks and state co-operatives as well.
The Reserve Bank of India also implements new changes to the Kisan Credit Card scheme to better reflect revisions in the agricultural sector. In 2012, there were instructions on modification of disbursement and repayment policy. Again in 2016, revisions were made in account classification. To know further about these modifications, contact your lender while availing this credit facility.
Available credit limit through KCC scheme
As per RBI guidelines, financial institutions are free to decide on the sanctioned amount. There is no as such credit limit. For instance, an institution might impose a limit for all applicants, while others might cap the amount as per a farmer’s income. You can follow the tips to increase your credit limit to meet higher expenses such as always paying the total outstanding, using EMI conversions, maintaining low credit utilisation, etc.
Similarly, lenders can also take crop area before setting a specific credit limit.
How to apply for Kisan Credit Card (KCC) online?
To obtain a KCC (Kisan Credit Card) online, apply through your lender’s website. Here is a step-by-step procedure to guide you through the application procedure –
- Visit the lender’ website.
- Select ‘Kisan Credit Card’ from the list of available cards.
- Fill in the application form and click on ‘Submit.’
- Note down the reference number and wait for your lender to process your application.
- Submit the necessary documents and obtain the card.
Additionally, KCC owners will have access to a smart debit card as well. However, if you are not eligible for this feature, you can also consider a Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard that offers ample industry-first features.
They also bring you pre-approved offers on credits and loans that make procuring them quick and hassle-free. These pre-approved offers are applicable on unsecured credits like personal loans, business loans and secured advances such as home loans among numerous other financial products. You can check out your pre-approved offer by sharing a few necessary details like your name and contact number.
Eligibility required for availing Kisan Credit Card
To be eligible for funding via KCC, you must fulfil these categories –
- Either an individual farmer or with a joint borrower (an owner-cultivator) as well.
- Self-help group or a joint liability group which can include farmers, tenant farmers, share-croppers, oral lessees, etc.
Furthermore, the KCC scheme extends to animal husbandry and fisheries sector as well. Thus, you can apply for this card if you own fish, poultry or cattle firms. But, no matter what card you choose, you must learn how to use a credit card wisely to reap its benefits.
Apart from the KCC scheme, such individuals can also benefit from the National Common Mobility Card, introduced by the Indian Government. This interoperable transport card proves beneficial to make payments in suburban railways, buses, metro, etc. It has not only made transport more efficient but quick as well.
Summary
A short-term credit facility to meet the agro-based requirements of Indian farmers, Kisan Credit Card has been introduced by the GOI to facilitate the process of availing credits. Earlier, farmers faced monetary issues when approaching informal lenders and often fell into debt traps. Acknowledging the need for such convenient small advances, the KCC scheme was launched.
Individuals deemed eligible for KCC scheme, can draw advances from financial institutions. They would receive the card and a passbook with a pre-determined credit limit. This credit limit is set taking into considerations of a few factors like – applicant’s agricultural holding, financial portfolio and future projections. This limit is also decidable on the basis on cropping pattern or increases in credit need, etc.
To avail this facility, the applicant must be an individual farmer or go forward with a joint applicant who is an owner-cultivator as well. These include tenant farmers, sharecroppers, oral lessee, owners of livestock, fishery, etc.
However, if you are not eligible for Kisan Credit Cards, you can also avail the ample benefits of a Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank credit card.
The easiest way to apply for a KCC is to visit the lender’s website and to submit the duly filled application form. Although the process might slightly differ from a lender to the other, the basic steps to avail this card are mostly the same. In the lender’s website, select ‘Kisan Credit Card’. Fill in the application form with appropriate details and click ‘Submit.’ Now, upload the required documents and wait for the processing process.
After verification, you will be handed over the card, and you can enjoy its exclusive benefits. This short-term credit facility can provide farmers with the necessary assistance they require to meet their diverse credit requirements and generate a stable income.
