Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Eligibility, Limit and Interest Rate
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) gives farmers a revolving line of credit for seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and other farm costs, usually at a much lower interest rate than a normal loan. Under the current scheme, the crop-loan limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, the collateral-free limit is ₹2 lakh, and prompt repayers can bring the effective interest down to about 4 percent on eligible short-term crop loans. This guide explains who qualifies, how the limit and interest work, which documents you need and how to apply.
Bank rules and interest benefits can change, so confirm the details with your bank branch before you apply.
Quick answer: A Kisan Credit Card is a bank-issued credit card for farmers, available to owner-cultivators, tenant farmers, sharecroppers and groups. Short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh carry a 7 percent rate, and the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme reduces it to an effective 4 percent for farmers who repay on time. The card is valid for up to five years.
Key takeaways
- The KCC crop-loan limit was raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, and the limit for fisheries and allied activities is also ₹5 lakh.
- Loans up to ₹2 lakh per borrower can be taken without collateral.
- Short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh are available at 7 percent, with a 3 percent subvention for timely repayment, giving an effective 4 percent.
- The card works as revolving credit for up to five years, so you can withdraw and repay as the season needs.
- Tenant farmers, oral lessees, sharecroppers, self-help groups and joint liability groups can also apply.
सारांश (हिंदी): किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड (KCC) किसानों को बीज, खाद और खेती के खर्च के लिए सस्ता कर्ज देता है। फसल ऋण की सीमा ₹3 लाख से बढ़ाकर ₹5 लाख की गई है, और ₹2 लाख तक बिना गारंटी (कोलैटरल) कर्ज मिल सकता है। ₹3 लाख तक के अल्पकालिक फसल ऋण पर 7% ब्याज है, समय पर चुकाने पर प्रभावी दर लगभग 4% रहती है। नियम बैंक से ज़रूर पूछ लें।
Kisan Credit Card: who is eligible
The scheme covers farmers who grow crops and, in many cases, those in allied work. Banks may add their own checks, so carry your land and identity papers.
| Applicant | Can apply? | Usual condition |
|---|---|---|
| Owner-cultivator farmer | Yes | Land record in the applicant’s name |
| Joint borrowers | Yes | Joint cultivators of the land |
| Tenant farmer, oral lessee, sharecropper | Yes | Proof of tenancy or authorisation as the bank requires |
| Self-help groups (SHGs) | Yes | Group of farmers or tenants with a valid group record |
| Joint liability groups (JLGs) | Yes | Group recognised by the bank |
| Animal husbandry and fisheries farmers | Yes, for allied credit | Business details and the bank’s assessment |
Kisan Credit Card for PM-KISAN farmers
Farmers who already receive PM-KISAN money often find the process quicker, because the application can use data from that record. Check your record first with our guide to PM Kisan status and read about the scheme in PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Kisan Credit Card limit and interest rate
The credit limit is set by the bank from your land area, cropping pattern and cost of cultivation. The interest benefit applies to short-term crop loans.
| Feature | Current position |
|---|---|
| Crop-loan limit | Raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh |
| Fisheries and allied credit limit | Raised to ₹5 lakh |
| Collateral-free loan | Up to ₹2 lakh per borrower |
| Interest on short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh | 7 percent |
| Interest subvention under MISS | 3 percent, bringing the effective rate to 4 percent for prompt repayment |
| Card validity | Revolving credit for up to five years |
| Natural calamity relief | Interest relief for up to one year, extendable in severe cases |
The scheme explainers we reviewed describe the 7 percent rate and the 3 percent subvention for loans up to ₹3 lakh. Whether the interest benefit extends to the full ₹5 lakh limit depends on the latest government notification, so ask your bank for the exact rate that will apply to you.
How the interest subvention works
Under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, the government pays part of the interest to the bank, and prompt repayers earn an extra concession. In simple terms, you borrow at 7 percent and pay about 4 percent if you repay before the due date. If you repay late, you lose the concession and pay the higher rate for the period. Mark your due date on a calendar as soon as you take the loan.
Documents needed for a Kisan Credit Card
Banks ask for slightly different papers, but this list covers most branches.
- Filled application form, available at the branch or on the bank’s website.
- Identity proof such as Aadhaar, voter ID or driving licence.
- Address proof, which can be the same Aadhaar or a utility bill.
- Land record such as khasra, khatauni, jamabandi or the state equivalent, or a tenancy proof for tenants.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Details of crops to be grown and the area, where the bank asks for them.
- For allied activities, project details such as a dairy or fish pond plan.
How to apply for a Kisan Credit Card
- Pick a bank. Public sector banks, regional rural banks, cooperative banks and many private banks issue KCCs.
- Collect the form and papers. Many banks also accept online applications on their website or through the national farmer-loan portal.
- Submit the application with documents at the branch, or at a Common Service Centre if the bank allows it.
- Wait for verification. The bank checks your land record, past loans and credit history.
- Receive the limit and card. Many banks issue a RuPay KCC that works at ATMs and shops.
- Use and repay. Draw money for crop costs and repay after the harvest or sale.
What to ask the bank before you sign
- What is the sanctioned limit and how was it calculated?
- What is the interest rate, and what is the due date to earn the interest concession?
- Are there processing, inspection or insurance charges?
- Is crop insurance linked to the loan, and who pays the premium?
- How and when can I renew or enhance the limit?
Smart ways to use a Kisan Credit Card
A KCC is cheap credit only if you use it for farm needs and repay on time. These habits keep it cheap.
- Draw money in stages as costs arise, not all at once, so you pay interest only on what you use.
- Plan your cash flow with the crop calendar so you know when sowing, fertiliser and harvest costs fall due.
- Estimate input needs with the fertilizer calculator before you borrow.
- Check the expected sale value with the MSP calculator and with live rates on Mandi Bhav Today.
- Repay on or before the due date to keep the lower effective rate.
- Keep every receipt and the loan statement.
Common Kisan Credit Card mistakes
- Using the money for non-farm spending, which can break scheme rules.
- Missing the due date and losing the interest concession.
- Giving the card, PIN or OTP to a middleman.
- Paying an agent a fee for approval. Official applications do not need an agent fee.
- Not renewing the limit on time, so credit lapses before the next sowing season.
- Borrowing more than the crop can repay in a weak year, such as a dry monsoon like 2026.
Kisan Credit Card for dairy, poultry and fisheries
The KCC also covers working capital for animal husbandry and fisheries. A dairy farmer can use it for feed and fodder costs, and a poultry farmer can use it for chicks and feed. Read our guides to dairy farm and poultry farm costs to plan the amount you really need. Your bank will assess the activity and decide the limit.
Kisan Credit Card: your next step
Gather your land record, identity proof and bank details, visit the branch or the bank’s online page, and ask for the exact rate and due date in writing. If you already own a KCC, check that your limit is renewed and that your repayment date is marked.
Explore more schemes in Government Schemes for Farmers, look at financing a tractor in tractor loan EMI, or return to the Harvest homepage.
Data note: limit, collateral-free limit and interest figures come from a March 2026 scheme explainer based on official announcements and Budget changes for 2025-26. Interest benefits and rules change, and banks set their own procedures. The Harvest is an independent information website. It is not a bank, does not issue loans and is not affiliated with any government body. Information checked in October 2026.
Kisan Credit Card: frequently asked questions
What is a Kisan Credit Card?
A Kisan Credit Card is a bank-issued revolving credit facility for farmers, used for seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and other farm costs, usually at a lower interest rate than a normal loan.
What is the Kisan Credit Card limit?
The crop-loan limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, and the fisheries and allied activities limit is also ₹5 lakh. Your bank decides your limit from land area and cropping pattern.
What is the Kisan Credit Card interest rate?
Short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh carry 7 percent interest. A 3 percent subvention under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme brings the effective rate to 4 percent for prompt repayment. Confirm your exact rate with the bank.
Can I get a KCC without collateral?
Yes. Loans up to ₹2 lakh per borrower can be given without collateral. Higher limits may need security as per the bank's rules.
Who can apply for a Kisan Credit Card?
Owner-cultivators, joint borrowers, tenant farmers, oral lessees, sharecroppers, self-help groups and joint liability groups can apply. Animal husbandry and fisheries farmers can get allied credit.
What documents are needed for a KCC?
Typically a filled application form, identity and address proof, land record or tenancy proof, passport-size photographs and crop details. Requirements differ slightly by bank.
How long is a Kisan Credit Card valid?
The card is a revolving credit facility valid for up to five years, with the limit reviewed and renewed as the bank decides.
