Over 7.7 Crore Kisan Credit Cards Active as Farm Credit Crosses ₹10.2 Lakh Crore

The Press Information Bureau has released a government explainer highlighting the expansion of the Kisan Credit Card Scheme across India. 

According to the note, more than 77.2 million Kisan Credit Cards are currently active nationwide, with outstanding loans amounting to ~₹10.2 lakh crore.

The scheme continues to play a key role in providing timely and affordable institutional credit to farmers, including small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and members of self-help groups and joint liability groups.

Enhanced Credit Limits and Interest Benefits

Under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, the crop loan limit available through the Kisan Credit Card has been increased to ₹5 lakh. Additionally, the collateral-free credit limit has been raised to ₹2 lakh per borrower from the earlier ₹1.6 lakh, with the revised rule effective from January 1, 2025.

Short-term agricultural loans of up to ₹3 lakh are available at an interest rate of 7%. Farmers who repay their loans on time receive an additional 3% interest subvention, effectively reducing the interest rate to 4%.

Expanded Support for Allied Activities

The government has also expanded credit support to allied agricultural activities. The credit limit for sectors such as fisheries and allied activities has been increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

This expansion aims to strengthen institutional credit access for farmers engaged in dairy farming, poultry, fisheries, and beekeeping, helping diversify rural income sources.

Wide Banking Network and Digital Access

The Kisan Credit Card ecosystem now includes 457 participating banks. This network consists of 37 commercial banks, 46 regional rural banks, and 374 cooperative banks, ensuring wide coverage of agricultural credit across the country.

In total, more than 1,998.7 lakh KCC applications have been processed through these institutions. Cooperative banks account for the largest share, followed by commercial banks and regional rural banks, reflecting the strong role of cooperative institutions at the grassroots level.

To simplify access, the government introduced a one-page application form with key details pre-filled using records from PM-KISAN. Farmers can submit applications directly through banks or with assistance from Common Service Centres.

Also Read: RBI Plans Major KCC Revamp; Higher Credit Limits and Extended Tenure Ahead!

Conclusion

Since its launch in 1998, the Kisan Credit Card scheme has evolved into a major channel for delivering institutional credit to farmers. With expanded loan limits, digital platforms such as the Kisan Rin Portal, and a wide banking network, the scheme continues to strengthen rural credit access and support agricultural productivity across India.

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