The Kisan credit card or the KCC is an Indian government scheme launched in 1998 to provide easy access of credit to farmers, thus saving them from the trap of usury. KCC was created by the NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). With the help of KCC, farmers are eligible for low-interest short term loans from cooperative banks, rural banks, private banks and public sector banks.
While usually the rate of interest is between 2-4%, it varies from bank to bank and is subject to other factors as well. Most farmers avail KCC to take loans to sow crops or buy agricultural equipment, which they repay at the time of harvest. The KCC limit for farmers depends on various factors.
KCC limit for marginal farmers and sharecroppers, is mostly between ₹10,000 to ₹50,000. For other farmers and cultivators, the Kisan credit card loan limit is based on the bank policies, their income, crop patterns etc. In such instances, the maximum Kisan credit card limit may be higher than ₹50,000. There is a provision for a KCC card limit increase at 10% each year for up to 5th year.
Farmers are also eligible for accident insurance of maximum ₹50,000 along with KCC. The Kisan credit card limit varies from bank to bank and generally depends on repayment history, farmer income, crop cultivation patterns etc.
The interest rate also depends on the repayment period. In case of delay in repayment, interest would be compounded. Just like all other loans and finance access, there’s a KCC loan limit.
Kisan credit card Limit can be checked by contacting the Kisan credit card customer care centre of the bank that issued the kisan card. You can also make a visit to the nearest branch of that bank and inquire about the current KCC limit and ways to increase it.
If you have been using the same KCC credit card since the last few years and have been prompt in settling bills, there are very high chances that the bank would increase your KCC card limit. Your income and the crops under harvest also plays a key role in determining Kisan credit card limits.
Following are the eligibility conditions for issuing a Kisan credit card:
Farm Owner: Any Indian citizen between the age of 18-60 who either owns farm land or cultivates it can apply for a KCC loan. Those older than 60 years can apply for KCC loan till the age of 75 along with a co-applicant who has to be a legal heir.
Tenants: All types of tenant farmers, sharecroppers and joint borrowers are eligible to apply for KCC loans.
Organisations: Various Self-help groups and joint liability groups that help farmers by relieving their financial burdens
Allied Activities: Farmers engaged in non-farm activities such as animal husbandry, poultry, dairy and fisheries to augment their incomes, can also apply for Kisan credit card loans.
For issuing a Kisan credit card, the following documents are required:
Application Form: The form needs to be filled with all the details and duly signed
Identity Proof: Documents that establish proof of identity, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence etc.
Address Proof: Any authorised document like PAN card, voter ID, Aadhar card that serves as an address proof.
Land Documents: Documents regarding land ownership/ tenancy record.
Photograph: A clear passport size photograph of the applicant
Other Documents: Banks may demand additional documents such as security PDC.
Go to the bank's website where you want to apply for the KCC card loan
Browse the list of options there and choose Kisan credit card
Click on Apply
The application form would be right in front of you. You need to fill it correctly.
Once you have entered all the details and cross-checked, click on Submit.
You will receive an application reference number that you should keep safely for any future use
If you are deemed eligible and the bank is willing to sanction a loan or increase the limit of Kisan credit card, they will contact you within 3-4 working days.
Here’s the KCC card limit of the some of the prominent banks
Bank |
KCC Limit |
Tenure |
SBI |
The KCC limit is decided on the basis of crop patterns and cultivation |
5 Years |
HDFC |
Up to ₹3 Lakhs |
5 Years |
Axis Bank |
Maximum ₹2.5 Lakhs as loan secured against card |
1 year for cash credit; 7 years for loans |
ICICI |
Limit of Kisan card is decided in accordance to the bank’s rules, government guidelines and other factors like farmer income |
5 Years |
There are a number of factors that a bank considers before deciding on the KCC card limit. The RBI guidelines, bank’s terms & conditions, as well as government policies and directives all play a role in it.
Some of the key determining factors affecting KCC limits are cultivation and crop patterns, harvesting acreage, farmer income, repayment history and association with the bank. Kisan credit card limit per acre is figured as per the area under cultivation. Those with a good track record of timely repayment and using a particular card for a couple of years are most likely to get their limit hiked.
There is no standardised formula to compute the KCC limit. It varies from bank to bank and hinges on factors like income, track record, repayment, farm area etc. Best way for Kisan credit card limit calculation is to contact the bank customer support office. They will be able to tell the exact Kisan credit limit.
There is no standardised formula to compute the KCC limit. It varies from bank to bank and hinges on factors like income, track record, repayment, farm area etc. Best way for Kisan credit card limit calculation is to contact the bank customer support office. They will be able to tell the exact Kisan credit limit.