For millions of farmers in India, access to affordable credit is the difference between a successful crop season and financial stress. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was launched with exactly this purpose — to ensure that no farmer suffers due to a lack of timely funds.
Over the years, KCC has become one of the most trusted and widely used agricultural credit schemes, offering low-interest loans, flexible repayment, and simple terms.
If you’re a farmer or someone involved in allied activities like dairy, poultry, or fisheries, this guide will walk you through how to get a Kisan Credit Card, what documents you need, the loan limit, interest rate benefits, and every detail you must know before applying.
What is a Kisan Credit Card (KCC)?
The Kisan Credit Card is a government-backed credit scheme that provides farmers easy access to short-term loans. It ensures that farmers can purchase seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and meet other agricultural expenses without high-interest burdens.
Key Features of Kisan Credit Card
- Low-interest crop loans starting at 4% per annum (after subsidies)
- Simple application and easy documentation
- Loan limit based on landholding and crop pattern
- No need to reapply every year (validity up to 5 years)
- ATM-enabled RuPay card for withdrawal
- Insurance cover for crops under PMFBY (optional)
Eligibility for Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Not only traditional farmers, but many rural workers can apply for a Kisan Credit Card.
Eligible Applicants
- Individual farmers (owner cultivators)
- Tenant farmers and sharecroppers
- Self-help groups involved in farming
- Farmers engaged in dairy farming, goat rearing, poultry, and fisheries
- Joint borrowers cultivating the same land
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
If you are engaged in any agricultural or allied activities, there is a high chance you qualify.
Documents Required for KCC Application
To keep the process simple, banks require only basic documents.
Essential Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card (if available)
- Voter ID / Driving License / Any government ID
- Land documents (7/12 extract, land record, lease agreement)
- Proof of address
- Passport-size photographs
- Bank account details
- For allied activities: business proof (like dairy records, poultry unit proof, etc.)
Tip: Keep photocopies and originals ready to speed up verification.
How to Get a Kisan Credit Card (KCC)? Step-by-Step Process
Applying for a Kisan Credit Card is easier than most loan applications. You can apply both online and offline. Let’s break it down clearly.
1. How to Apply for KCC Online
The government has simplified the online KCC process through multiple banking portals and the PM Kisan website.
Option A: Apply through PM Kisan Portal
If you’re registered under PM-KISAN, this is the simplest route.
Steps:
- Visit the PM-KISAN portal
- Click on “Apply for KCC”
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify
- Fill in land details & crop information
- Choose your bank from the list
- Submit the form — your bank will call you for verification
Farmers receiving PM-KISAN often get faster approval.
Option B: Apply through Bank Websites
Major banks like SBI, HDFC, PNB, Axis Bank, and Bank of Baroda offer online KCC forms.
Steps:
- Visit your bank’s official website
- Search for Kisan Credit Card under agricultural loans
- Fill in your name, address, Aadhaar, and land details
- Upload basic documents (if required)
- Submit the application
- A bank officer will contact you for the next steps
Online applications are ideal for quick initial processing, but you must visit your bank branch for final KYC verification.
2. How to Apply for KCC Offline (Most Common Method)
Most farmers still prefer the offline method — simple and fast.
Steps to Apply Offline
- Visit your nearest bank branch (SBI, PNB, BOB, Cooperative Bank, etc.)
- Ask for the KCC Application Form
- Fill in details related to:
- Personal information
- Crop and land details
- KCC limit required
- Submit the form with required documents
- Bank officer verifies land records and eligibility
- Loan limit is assessed based on crop pattern and landholding
- After approval, you receive:
- Kisan Credit Card
- Passbook / loan documents
- RuPay ATM card for withdrawal
This method ensures personal assistance, which many farmers prefer.
Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit 2025: How Much Loan Can You Get?
KCC loan limits vary from farmer to farmer. Banks calculate it based on land size, crop type, expected production cost, and previous repayment history.
General Loan Limit Structure
- ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 for small and marginal farmers
- ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh for regular crop production
- Up to ₹5 lakh including allied activities like dairy, poultry
- Up to ₹10 lakh for large farmers or commercial agriculture
Factors That Decide Your Loan Limit
- Acreage of land
- Type of crop grown (rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, etc.)
- Seasonal input cost
- Irrigation facilities
- Farmer’s credit history
- Market price trend
Example:
A farmer with 3 acres of land growing paddy may get a limit between ₹1.5 to ₹2.2 lakh depending on the region and bank.
KCC Interest Rate: How Much Will Farmers Pay?
One of the biggest reasons KCC is popular is its low interest rate.
Standard Interest Rate
- Around 7% per annum
Government Subsidy
If the farmer repays on time, he gets an additional 3% interest subsidy, bringing the final rate to:
👉 Just 4% per annum
This is among the lowest interest rates for any loan in India.
Benefits of Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
The Kisan Credit Card is designed to reduce financial stress and empower farmers. Here are the major advantages:
1. Low-Interest Loans
Farmers get money at 4% interest (with subsidy), which is far cheaper than private lenders.
2. Flexible Withdrawals
The RuPay-enabled KCC allows farmers to withdraw money whenever needed. No need to visit bank repeatedly.
3. Insurance Cover
Many KCC loans are linked with crop insurance under PMFBY, protecting farmers from crop loss due to:
- Flood
- Drought
- Pest attacks
- Natural calamities
4. Covers Allied Activities
Not just crops — KCC covers dairy, fishery, goat farming, beekeeping, etc.
5. No Repeat Documentation
Once the card is issued, it remains valid for 5 years (with annual review). No need to apply every season.
6. Helps Improve Credit Score
Timely repayment results in better credit score, making future loans easier.
7. Overdraft Facility
Farmers can use the card like an overdraft account for emergencies.
8. Easy Renewal
Banks do a simple review each year based on crop trends and increase the limit automatically.
Who Should Apply for a Kisan Credit Card?
KCC is ideal for anyone who:
- Struggles with seasonal cash flow
- Depends on private moneylenders
- Needs quick funds for seeds, irrigation, fertilizers
- Wants to expand farming or allied businesses
- Needs flexibility without heavy paperwork
Even small farmers with less than 1 acre can apply.
Common Mistakes Farmers Should Avoid While Applying
Even though the KCC process is simple, many applications get delayed.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Not carrying original land documents
- Filling wrong details in acreage or crop type
- Applying from a branch without jurisdiction over your village
- Not updating Aadhaar/PAN
- Missing verification calls from the bank
- Not maintaining a basic savings account in the bank
How Much Time Does KCC Approval Take?
On average:
- Online application → 7 to 15 days
- Offline application → 3 to 10 days
- PM-KISAN linked applications → often faster
In rural cooperative banks, approval may take longer due to higher paperwork.
What Happens After You Get Your Kisan Credit Card?
Once approved, you will receive:
- A physical KCC card
- A RuPay debit/ATM card
- A passbook or sanction letter
- Annual review schedule
- Loan limit details for the season
You can withdraw money anytime and repay as per crop cycle.
KCC Renewal Process (Simple Explanation)
You don’t need to reapply every year. Instead:
- Bank reviews your repayment
- Crop pattern & production cost are checked
- Limit may be increased
- Insurance charges may be adjusted
- Farmer signs a simple renewal form
State-Wise Availability of KCC
Every region in India with agricultural activity offers KCC through:
- State Cooperative Banks
- Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
- Public Sector Banks (SBI, PNB, BOB)
- Private Banks (ICICI, Axis, HDFC)
Even small district cooperative banks participate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can small farmers with less than 1 acre apply for KCC?
Yes. Even farmers with very small landholdings are eligible. The limit may be lower, but benefits remain the same.
2. Is Kisan Credit Card a loan or a credit card?
It is technically a loan account with a credit limit, but it works like a debit/ATM card for easy withdrawals.
3. Can I get KCC without land documents?
Tenant farmers and sharecroppers can apply with lease agreements or self-declaration, depending on bank policy.
4. Can KCC be used for dairy or fishery business?
Yes. The Kisan Credit Card covers allied activities including dairy, poultry, goat farming, fisheries, and beekeeping.
5. What is the maximum loan available under KCC?
General crop loans go up to ₹3 lakh, but with allied activities, limits can go up to ₹5–10 lakh.
6. What happens if I delay repayment?
You lose the 3% interest subsidy and interest may increase. Repeated delays can reduce your credit limit.
Conclusion
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is one of the most powerful financial tools available to Indian farmers. With low interest, flexible repayment, simple documentation, and coverage for both crops and allied activities, it truly empowers rural households to grow without financial stress.
Whether you are a small farmer or someone planning to expand your agricultural operations, applying for KCC can make a significant difference in your financial stability and productivity. If you haven’t applied yet, use the steps in this guide and get the benefits you deserve.
