Kisan Credit Card (KCC) — How to Apply, Eligibility, Documents & Benefits

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme gives farmers easy and affordable credit for their farming needs. Launched in 1998 by the Government of India, KCC provides short-term loans at a very low effective interest rate of just 4% per annum. Whether you grow crops, rear animals, or do fisheries — you can get a KCC.

This guide explains everything about the KCC scheme in simple language — who can apply, what documents you need, and how to apply step by step.

What is Kisan Credit Card?

Kisan Credit Card is a government-backed credit scheme that provides farmers with timely and adequate credit. It works like a revolving credit card — you get a loan limit, and you can withdraw money as needed for:

• Crop cultivation — seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labour
• Post-harvest expenses — storage, marketing
• Farm maintenance — equipment repair, land development
• Allied activities — animal husbandry, fisheries, sericulture
• Personal consumption needs of the farmer family

The scheme is implemented through commercial banks, cooperative banks, and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across India.

Key Benefits of Kisan Credit Card

• ✅ Low interest rate — effective rate of just 4% per annum (with subvention)
• ✅ Flexible withdrawals — draw money anytime within your limit
• ✅ No need to apply for a new loan each season
• ✅ Crop insurance — automatic coverage under PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana)
• ✅ Personal accident insurance — coverage up to ₹50,000 (death) and ₹25,000 (disability)
• ✅ ATM-enabled card — withdraw cash from ATMs
• ✅ Loan limit increases every year (up to 10% annual increase)
• ✅ Simple one-page form for PM Kisan beneficiaries
• ✅ No collateral needed for loans up to ₹1.60 lakh

KCC Eligibility — Who Can Apply?

The following people are eligible for Kisan Credit Card:

For Crop Loans

• Individual farmers who own farmland
• Tenant farmers (who farm on rented land)
• Sharecroppers and oral lessees
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of farmers
• Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of farmers

For Animal Husbandry & Fisheries

• Farmers who rear cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, poultry, pig, rabbit
• People engaged in inland fisheries (pond, tank, open water)
• People engaged in marine fisheries (boat/vessel owners, fishermen)
• SHGs and JLGs involved in animal husbandry or fisheries

Note: There is no minimum land requirement. Even landless farmers doing animal husbandry or fisheries can apply.

KCC Loan Limit & Interest Rate

How Loan Limit is Decided

Your KCC loan limit depends on:

• Size of your land (in acres/hectares)
• Type of crops you grow
• Scale of finance fixed by the District Level Technical Committee (DLTC)
• Post-harvest and maintenance expenses

For the first year, your limit = Cost of cultivation + post-harvest expenses + farm maintenance + 10% of limit for personal needs.

The limit increases by 10% every year to account for rising costs. After 5 years, you get a fresh assessment.

Maximum loan without collateral: ₹1,60,000

Interest Rate

The 3% subvention (2% from government + 1% prompt repayment bonus) applies on loans up to ₹3,00,000 if repaid within the due date.

Important: If you repay on time, you pay only 4% interest. If you delay, the full 7% (or more) applies.

Documents Required for KCC

Keep these documents ready before applying:

1. Application form (available at bank branch or online)
2. Identity proof — Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or PAN card
3. Address proof — Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Utility bill
4. Land ownership documents — Land records (Khatauni/Patta/RoR)
5. Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
6. Crop sowing certificate (from Patwari/Revenue official, if needed)
7. Affidavit/declaration for tenant farmers and sharecroppers

For Animal Husbandry KCC:

• Proof of animals owned (veterinary certificate or self-declaration)
• Details of shed/farm infrastructure

For Fisheries KCC:

• Proof of pond/tank/boat ownership or lease
• Fisher ID card or membership of fisheries cooperative

How to Apply for Kisan Credit Card

Method 1: Apply at Bank Branch (Offline)

1. Visit the nearest branch of any public sector bank, cooperative bank, or RRB
2. Ask for the KCC application form
3. Fill in your details — name, land details, crop details
4. Attach all required documents
5. Submit the form
6. Bank will verify your documents and land records
7. Processing time: Usually 14 days from submission
8. Once approved, you get your KCC card and passbook

Method 2: Apply Online via Bank Portal

Most major banks allow online KCC applications:

• SBI: Apply through SBI YONO app or SBI website
• PNB: Apply through PNB website
• Bank of Baroda: Apply through BoB website
• Other banks: Check your bank's official website for KCC section

Steps:

1. Visit your bank's website
2. Look for "Kisan Credit Card" or "Agriculture Loans" section
3. Fill the online application form
4. Upload scanned documents
5. Submit and note your application/reference number
6. Bank will contact you for verification

Method 3: Apply via PM Kisan Portal

If you are a PM Kisan beneficiary, you can apply for KCC through the PM Kisan portal at pmkisan.gov.in.

Method 4: Apply via Common Service Centre (CSC)

1. Visit your nearest CSC/Jan Seva Kendra
2. The CSC operator will help you fill the KCC form
3. Submit your documents at the CSC
4. The application is forwarded to the bank
5. Bank processes your application

KCC for PM Kisan Beneficiaries

If you already receive benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, getting a KCC is much easier:

• Simplified one-page application form — no lengthy paperwork
• Your land and identity details are already verified in the PM Kisan database
• Banks have been directed to proactively issue KCC to all PM Kisan beneficiaries
• You can apply through the PM Kisan portal, your bank, or a CSC

Haven't registered for PM Kisan yet? Read our guide on how to register for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. You can also check your PM Kisan beneficiary status.

The government's goal is to provide KCC to all eligible PM Kisan beneficiaries. If you are a PM Kisan beneficiary and don't have a KCC yet, apply now — the process is very simple.

KCC for Animal Husbandry & Fisheries

In 2018-19, the government extended the KCC scheme to cover animal husbandry and fisheries activities. This means you can get KCC credit even if you don't have farmland.

Animal Husbandry KCC

Eligible activities:

• Dairy farming (cow, buffalo)
• Poultry farming
• Goat/sheep rearing
• Piggery
• Rabbit farming

Loan limit is based on the number and type of animals you own and the scale of finance fixed for your district.

Fisheries KCC

Eligible activities:

• Inland fisheries — fish farming in ponds, tanks, cages
• Marine fisheries — fishing with boats and vessels
• Aquaculture — shrimp, prawn farming

Loan limit depends on the type and scale of your fishery activity.

Apply at your nearest bank branch with proof of your animal husbandry or fisheries activity. The Department of Animal Husbandry (dahd.nic.in) and Department of Fisheries (dof.gov.in) oversee these extensions of KCC.

Repayment Terms

• Crop loans are short-term — repay within 12 months (one crop season)
• You can repay after selling your harvest
• Interest subvention (reduced rate of 4%) applies only if you repay on time
• If you don't repay within the due date, full interest rate of 7% or higher will apply
• Term loans (for equipment, land development) have repayment period of up to 5 years
• KCC limit is valid for 5 years with annual renewals

Crop Insurance Under KCC

All KCC-holder farmers are automatically covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) crop insurance scheme. The premium is deducted from your loan amount:

• Kharif crops: 2% of sum insured
• Rabi crops: 1.5% of sum insured
• Commercial/horticultural crops: 5% of sum insured

This protects you from crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

How to Renew KCC

Your KCC is valid for 5 years, but you need to renew it annually. Here's how:

1. Visit your bank branch before the expiry date
2. Submit a renewal application with updated land/crop details
3. Bank may do a fresh assessment of your credit limit
4. Your limit may increase by 10% for the new year
5. After 5 years, a complete re-assessment is done

Tip: Don't let your KCC lapse. Renew it on time to keep enjoying the subsidized interest rate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the interest rate on Kisan Credit Card?

The base interest rate is 7% per annum. With government subvention of 2% and additional 1% prompt repayment incentive, the effective rate is just 4% per annum on loans up to ₹3 lakh.

2. Can I get KCC without owning land?

Yes. Tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and people doing animal husbandry or fisheries can get KCC even without owning farmland. You need to provide proof of your farming/rearing activity.

3. How long does it take to get a KCC?

Banks are expected to process KCC applications within 14 working days of receiving the complete application with all documents.

4. Is there a limit on the KCC loan amount?

The loan limit depends on your land holding and crop. There is no fixed maximum, but loans up to ₹1.60 lakh do not require collateral. For higher amounts, banks may ask for collateral security.

5. Can I use KCC money for personal expenses?

Yes, up to 10% of your KCC limit can be used for personal/consumption needs of your family.

6. What happens if I don't repay the KCC loan on time?

You will lose the interest subvention benefit. Instead of 4%, you'll have to pay the full interest rate of 7% or more. Continued default may lead to the loan being classified as NPA and recovery action.

7. Can PM Kisan beneficiaries get KCC easily?

Yes. PM Kisan beneficiaries can apply using a simplified one-page form. Their details are already in the government database, making the process faster. Check your PM Kisan status here.

This guide is for informational purposes. For the latest details, visit pmkisan.gov.in, nabard.org, or contact your nearest bank branch.