Agriculture Services
Complete guide to PM Kisan, crop insurance (PMFBY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), MSP, soil health card, agricultural subsidies, e-NAM market, farmer welfare schemes, and all agriculture-related government services.
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Common Use Cases
Document Types & Fees
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Official SiteFlagship scheme providing ₹6,000/year income support to farmer families (₹2,000 per installment, 3 times/year - Apr-Jul, Aug-Nov, Dec-Mar). All landholding farmers eligible regardless of land size. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account. Covers 11+ crore farmers. Self-registration on pmkisan.gov.in or visit CSC/Panchayat.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Official SiteComprehensive crop insurance covering yield losses due to natural calamities, pests, diseases. Premium: 2% (Kharif), 1.5% (Rabi), 5% (Horticulture) of sum insured - rest subsidized 90%+ by govt. Covers pre-sowing to post-harvest. Claim via CCE (Crop Cutting Experiments), remote sensing, smartphone apps. Mandatory for loanee farmers, optional for others.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Official SiteRevolving credit card (like credit card) for agricultural expenses: seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, equipment. Credit limit based on land holding, cropping pattern (₹3 lakh limit for 5 acres typically). Interest: 7% p.a. (4% effective with 3% interest subvention). Repayment flexible. No prepayment penalty. Also covers term loans for equipment, dairy, fishery. Available via banks/cooperative societies.
Soil Health Card (SHC)
Official SiteReport card of soil indicating macro/micro nutrients status (N, P, K, pH, organic carbon, EC). Issued every 2-3 years. Provides crop-wise fertilizer recommendations to improve productivity. Free soil testing at government labs. Apply online on soilhealth.dac.gov.in or through agriculture department. Helps optimize fertilizer use, reduce cost, improve yield.
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
Official SiteOnline trading platform connecting APMCs (Agricultural Produce Market Committees) across India. Farmers sell produce online to traders PAN-India, get better price through competitive bidding. 1,361 mandis integrated. Real-time price discovery, online payment, quality assaying. Registration free. Upload crop details, photos → Traders bid → Accept best price → Delivery & payment.
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Official SiteGovernment-guaranteed minimum price for 23 crops to protect farmers from price crashes. Announced bi-annually (Kharif in June, Rabi in October). Crops: Paddy, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane, copra, etc. Procurement by FCI (Food Corporation of India), state agencies at MSP. Sell at government procurement centers during season. Price based on cost of production + profit margin.
PM Kisan Maandhan (Pension Scheme)
Official SitePension scheme for small/marginal farmers (landholding ≤2 hectares). Age 18-40 at enrollment. Contribution ₹55-₹200/month (age-dependent, 50% by farmer, 50% by govt). Assured pension ₹3,000/month after age 60. Voluntary exit with interest. Family pension ₹1,500/month to spouse. Enrollment via CSC/State Nodal Officers with Aadhaar + bank + land records.
Kisan Call Center (KCC Helpline)
Official SiteToll-free helpline 1800-180-1551 for farmers queries on crops, pests, diseases, schemes, weather, market prices. Available in 22 languages. Operating hours: 6 AM - 10 PM. Agricultural scientists/experts answer queries. Also SMS service 51969 (crop advisories). Covers all states/UTs. Free service.
Agricultural Machinery/Equipment Subsidy
Official SiteSubsidy on farm equipment/machinery under SMAM (Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization). 40-50% subsidy for general farmers, 50% for SC/ST, women. Equipment: Tractors, power tillers, rotavators, seed drills, combine harvesters, sprayers, drip/sprinkler irrigation. Apply online on state agriculture department portal during subsidy window (announced periodically). Limited slots, lottery-based selection.
PM Kusum (Solar Pump Subsidy)
Official SiteSubsidy for solar water pumps/panels for agriculture. 3 components: A) 10,000 MW decentralized solar plants on barren land, B) 20 lakh standalone solar pumps, C) Solarize 15 lakh grid-connected pumps. Subsidy: 60% by govt (30% central + 30% state), 30% bank loan, 10% farmer contribution. Apply via state DISCOM/nodal agency. Reduces electricity bills, extra income by selling surplus power.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (Organic Farming)
Official SitePromotes organic farming in clusters (50 acre cluster, 50 farmers). ₹50,000/hectare for 3 years: organic inputs, certification, marketing support. Conversion support from chemical to organic. PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) certification. Premium price for organic produce. Apply through agriculture department, form farmer groups/FPOs.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR)
Official SiteUmbrella scheme for agriculture development. State/district-specific projects. Components: Infrastructure, mechanization, value addition, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), innovation. ₹1-10 lakh grants for farmer groups/FPOs for processing units, cold storage, pack houses, marketing infrastructure. Apply via state agriculture department when call for proposals issued.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
PM Kisan Registration (Self-Registration)
Visit pmkisan.gov.in → Farmers Corner → New Farmer Registration → Enter Aadhaar number → OTP verification → Fill form: Name, Age, Gender, Category (SC/ST/Others), Bank details (A/c No + IFSC), Mobile, Land details (Survey number, area) → Upload land records → Submit → Registration number generated → E-KYC mandatory: Aadhaar authentication (biometric or OTP). OR visit CSC/Panchayat with Aadhaar + land records + bank passbook.
PM Kisan - Check Status & Fix Rejections
Login pmkisan.gov.in → Beneficiary Status → Enter Aadhaar/A/c No/Mobile → See status: Approved/Pending/Rejected/FTO (Fund Transfer Order) generated. REJECTED? Common reasons: Aadhaar not seeded with bank, invalid bank IFSC, land records mismatch, ineligible category (govt employee, income tax payer). FIX: Update details → Farmers Corner → Edit Aadhaar Details / Update Bank Account → Re-verify → Contact PM Kisan helpline: 155261 (toll-free) or 011-24300606.
Apply for Crop Insurance (PMFBY)
LOANEE FARMERS: Auto-enrolled by bank (if crop loan taken). Check with bank. NON-LOANEE: Visit nearest bank, insurance company office, CSC OR Apply online: Visit pmfby.gov.in → Farmer Corner → Guest Farmer → Choose state/district/crop/season → Fill farmer details, Aadhaar, bank, land, crop sown area → Upload land documents → Calculate premium (2% Kharif, 1.5% Rabi) → Pay online/bank → Policy issued. CUTOFF: Last date of sowing + 7 days. DON'T MISS deadline!
Claim Crop Insurance (Post-Loss)
INTIMATION: Within 72 hours of loss (if localized calamity like hailstorm, landslide), inform: 1) Insurance company helpline, 2) Crop Insurance App, 3) Local agriculture office, 4) CSC. Provide: Policy number, date of loss, crop details. ASSESSMENT: CCE (Crop Cutting Experiments) conducted by agriculture dept for widespread calamities. Technology (satellite, drones, smartphone apps) used for assessment. CLAIM: Calculated based on yield loss % → Directly credited to bank account within 60-90 days. Track: pmfby.gov.in → Claim Status or call toll-free 1800-200-7710.
Apply for Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Visit bank (public/private/cooperative): SBI, BOI, PNB, Canara, Nabard-supported RRBs, Cooperative banks. Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, land records (ownership/lease), bank passbook/statement, passport photos. Fill KCC application form → Mention cropping pattern, land area, purpose (short-term/investment). Bank verifies land, calculates credit limit (based on Scale of Finance per crop per hectare set by NABARD/state). Approval in 7-15 days → KCC card + passbook issued → Withdraw cash/swipe card for agri inputs → Repay post-harvest (flexible, no penalty).
Get Soil Health Card
Contact: Village agriculture extension officer OR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) OR apply online: soilhealth.dac.gov.in → Farmers Login → Register with Aadhaar → Request soil sampling. Soil sample collection: Officer visits field OR you collect sample (0-15 cm depth, 10-15 spots, mix → 500g in clean bag) → Submit at soil testing lab. Testing: 12-15 parameters (N, P, K, pH, EC, OC, S, Zn, Fe, etc.). Results: 7-15 days → Soil Health Card issued (booklet + online) → Crop-wise fertilizer recommendations (what to apply, how much). FREE service!
Register on e-NAM and Sell Crops Online
Visit nearest e-NAM integrated mandi (APMC). Documents: Aadhaar, bank details, land records, mobile number. Registration: At mandi facilitation center → Biometric verification → Account created → Receive login credentials. SELLING PROCESS: 1) Bring produce to mandi → 2) Quality testing/assaying at mandi lab → 3) e-Lot created (quality parameters, quantity, photo) → 4) Upload on e-NAM platform → 5) Traders across India bid online → 6) Accept best bid → 7) Unload produce → 8) Payment to bank within 24 hours (net of mandi fees, commission). Check bids/prices: enam.gov.in portal.
Apply for Agricultural Equipment Subsidy
Check state agriculture department website for subsidy notification (usually annual, time-bound). Online application: State agri portal → Subsidy Scheme → Select equipment (tractor, rotavator, sprayer, etc.) → Fill form with Aadhaar, bank, land details → Upload caste certificate (if SC/ST for extra subsidy) → Submit. Selection: Lottery/draw (if applications > slots). If selected: SMS/email notification → Purchase from approved dealer within timeline → Submit purchase invoice + bank account → Subsidy credited (40-50% of cost) in 30-60 days. OR installment deduction if bank loan taken.
Important Notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
How to register for PM Kisan? Am I eligible?
ELIGIBILITY: ALL landholding farmer families (ownership of cultivable land). No minimum/maximum land size limit. EXCLUDED: Income tax payers, government employees, constitutional post holders, professionals, pensioners with pension >₹10,000/month. REGISTRATION: SELF-REGISTER: Visit pmkisan.gov.in → Farmers Corner → New Farmer Registration → Enter Aadhaar → OTP → Fill details (personal, bank, land) → Upload land records (7/12, ROR, Patta) → Submit → Registration number. OFFLINE: Visit CSC, Panchayat, Agriculture office with Aadhaar + land records + bank passbook → They register. E-KYC: Mandatory! Aadhaar OTP authentication on portal. INSTALLMENTS: ₹2,000 thrice yearly (Apr-Jul, Aug-Nov, Dec-Mar) = ₹6,000/year directly to bank. CHECK STATUS: pmkisan.gov.in → Beneficiary Status → Enter Aadhaar/mobile/account number.
PM Kisan payment not received or rejected. What to do?
TRACK STATUS: pmkisan.gov.in → Beneficiary Status → Enter Aadhaar. SHOWS: Approved/Pending/Rejected/FTO generated/Payment sent. COMMON REJECTION REASONS: 1) Aadhaar not seeded with bank - Visit bank, seed Aadhaar immediately. 2) Invalid IFSC code - Update bank details on portal (Farmers Corner → Edit Aadhaar). 3) Land records mismatch - Survey number wrong, name spelling different. Contact revenue office to correct. 4) Ineligible category - If you/family member govt employee/income tax payer, not eligible. 5) Duplicate entry - Two registrations with same Aadhaar. 6) e-KYC pending - Complete Aadhaar OTP authentication. FIX PORTAL: Farmers Corner → Edit Aadhaar Details / Update Bank Account. HELPLINE: 155261 (toll-free), 011-24300606, Email: pmkisan-ict@gov.in. GRIEVANCE: pmkisan.gov.in → Grievances → Lodge complaint with registration number. RESPONSE: 15-30 days typically. IF CORRECTED: Next installment processed automatically.
What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance)? How does it work?
PMFBY = Crop insurance covering yield losses from: pre-sowing failure, sowing/planting, standing crop (drought, flood, pest, disease), post-harvest losses (cyclone, rain within 14 days of harvest), localized calamities (hailstorm, landslide, cloud burst). PREMIUM: Farmer pays 2% (Kharif), 1.5% (Rabi), 5% (horticulture) of sum insured. Remaining 90%+ subsidized by govt! Example: ₹100,000 insured, Kharif. Farmer pays ₹2,000, Govt pays ₹18,000+. SUM INSURED = District-level cost of production per hectare × farmer's sown area. ENROLLMENT: Loanee farmers (taken crop loan): Auto-enrolled by bank (can opt-out). Non-loanee: Voluntary enrollment online (pmfby.gov.in) or via insurance company/bank/CSC. DEADLINE: Last date of sowing + 7 days. CLAIM: Based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) yield data for area. If area yield < threshold, claim triggered. Tech-based assessment (satellite, weather, drones). Payment: Within 60 days to bank. COVERS: All food/oilseed/commercial crops notified. Check pmfby.gov.in for your district.
How to claim crop insurance after crop damage?
TWO TYPES OF CALAMITIES: 1) WIDESPREAD (drought, flood, cyclone affecting entire area): NO individual intimation needed. Agriculture department conducts CCE (Crop Cutting Experiments), calculates area yield. If yield < threshold, ALL insured farmers in area get claim automatically. 2) LOCALIZED (hailstorm, landslide, cloud burst affecting YOUR field only): MANDATORY INTIMATION within 72 HOURS of loss! How? a) Call insurance company toll-free (number on policy/SMS), b) Crop Insurance App (upload geotagged photos of damage), c) Notify local agriculture office, d) Visit CSC/bank. ASSESSMENT: Insurance company + agriculture officials visit field, verify damage, estimate loss. GPS location, photos, girdawari (panchnama). CLAIM: Calculated based on % yield loss. Example: 50% loss, sum insured ₹1L → ₹50,000 claim. PAYMENT: Direct to bank in 60-90 days. TRACK: pmfby.gov.in → Claim Status OR call 1800-200-7710. Keep policy number, Aadhaar, bank details handy. DON'T MISS 72-hour window for localized calamities!
What is Kisan Credit Card (KCC)? Interest rate, limit, repayment?
KCC = Revolving credit facility (like credit card) for agricultural finance. PURPOSE: Short-term (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, water charges) + Term loan (equipment, pump, dairy, fishery). CREDIT LIMIT: Based on "Scale of Finance" fixed by NABARD/state govt per crop per hectare. Example: Paddy ₹60,000/ha, Wheat ₹50,000/ha → 2 ha = ₹1.1 lakh + 10% for contingencies = ₹1.21 lakh. Max ₹3 lakh for 5 acres typically (varies by state, crop). INTEREST RATE: 7% p.a. SUBSIDY: 3% interest subvention (4% effective) + 2% on prompt repayment within 1 year → EFFECTIVE 2-4% p.a.! Cheapest loan! REPAYMENT: Flexible, typically within 1 year (harvest period). Repay principal + interest → Credit limit available again (revolving). VALIDITY: 5 years, reviewed annually, limit enhanced based on cropping pattern change. APPLY: Visit bank (public/private/cooperative) with Aadhaar, land records, PAN, photos. Approval 7-15 days. USAGE: Withdraw cash, swipe at input shops, online purchases. ZERO prepayment penalty!
What is Soil Health Card? How to get soil tested?
SOIL HEALTH CARD = Report card indicating nutrient status of soil. PARAMETERS TESTED: Macro-nutrients (N-Nitrogen, P-Phosphorus, K-Potassium), Secondary nutrients (S-Sulphur), Micro-nutrients (Zn-Zinc, Fe-Iron, Cu-Copper, Mn-Manganese, B-Boron), Physical parameters (pH-acidity, EC-electrical conductivity, OC-organic carbon). PURPOSE: Know soil deficiencies → Apply targeted fertilizers → Avoid wastage → Improve yield → Reduce cost. HOW TO GET: ONLINE: Visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in → Farmer Registration → Enter details → Request soil sampling. OFFLINE: Contact village agriculture extension officer OR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) OR visit district soil testing lab. SAMPLING: Officer visits field OR you collect soil sample (dig 0-15 cm depth at 10-15 random spots in field, mix all samples, take 500g in clean polythene bag, label with name/village/survey no). TESTING: At government soil testing lab (FREE). Takes 7-15 days. RESULT: Soil Health Card (booklet format + digital) with: Current nutrient levels, Recommendations (which fertilizers, how much, when to apply for each crop). VALIDITY: 2-3 years. Re-test every 2-3 years as soil changes.
What is e-NAM? How can farmers sell crops online for better prices?
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) = Online trading platform connecting 1,361 APMC mandis across India. Enables farmers to sell to traders PAN-India, get better price through transparent competitive bidding. HOW IT WORKS: 1) Farmer brings produce to e-NAM-integrated mandi (nearest). 2) Quality testing/assaying at mandi lab (color, moisture, protein, impurity etc.) - standardized parameters. 3) Digital lot created (quality grade, quantity, photo) uploaded on e-NAM platform. 4) Traders across India (not just local) view online, bid in real-time. 5) Farmer sees all bids, accepts best price. 6) Unload produce at mandi. 7) Payment to farmer's bank within 24 hours (net of mandi fees ~2%). BENEFITS: Better price (10-20% higher reported), transparent bidding, no middlemen exploitation, payment guarantee, PAN-India market access. REGISTRATION: Visit nearest e-NAM mandi → Facilitation center → Biometric registration with Aadhaar, bank details → Account created → Start trading. FIND MANDI: enam.gov.in → Integrated Mandis (state/district wise). PRICE INFO: Real-time prices, historical prices, demand-supply on enam.gov.in portal.
What is MSP (Minimum Support Price)? Which crops covered? Where to sell?
MSP = Government-guaranteed minimum price for agricultural commodities to protect farmers from distress selling. If market price falls below MSP, government procures at MSP. CROPS COVERED (23): Cereals: Paddy (common & Grade A), Wheat, Barley, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi. Pulses: Chana, Arhar/Tur, Moong, Urad, Lentil (Masur). Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soybean, Sesamum, Nigerseed, Safflower. Commercial: Cotton (medium & long staple), Copra (coconut), Sugarcane (FRP-Fair Remunerative Price). ANNOUNCEMENT: Twice yearly - Kharif crops (June-July), Rabi crops (October). Based on CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices) recommendations. PROCUREMENT: FCI (Food Corporation of India), NAFED, state agencies buy at MSP. SELLING: Take produce to government procurement centers during notified procurement season (varies by crop, state). Paddy: Kharif Oct-Jan, Rabi Apr-Jun. Wheat: Apr-Jun. Check dates: agricoop.nic.in OR state food & civil supplies department. DOCUMENTS: Land records (proof of cultivation), Aadhaar, bank details. PAYMENT: Within 3-7 days (direct to bank). LIMITATIONS: Mainly paddy & wheat procured. Other crops limited procurement. Market price often above MSP (MSP = floor, not ceiling).
Are tenant farmers/sharecroppers eligible for PM Kisan and other schemes?
TRICKY QUESTION - eligibility VARIES BY STATE! PM KISAN: Originally for "landowning" farmer families. HOWEVER, some states created "TENANT FARMER DATABASE" allowing tenant/sharecropper eligibility IF: 1) State implemented tenant farmer clause (currently limited states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh - partial). 2) Tenant/sharecropper recorded in revenue records OR registered with agriculture department. 3) NOC/consent certificate from landowner. PROCESS: Visit tehsildar/agriculture office → Apply for tenant farmer registration → Submit: Landowner consent, lease agreement/oral agreement documented, Aadhaar, bank details → Verification → Tenant farmer database entry → Eligible for PM Kisan. CROP INSURANCE: YES, eligible! Even landless tenants can insure crops. Need: Proof of tenancy (lease deed/agreement/patta) OR landowner consent. Other Schemes (KCC, subsidies): Generally landowner eligible. Tenant may not get equipment subsidy but can get KCC if bank accepts tenancy proof. REALITY: Most tenant farmers NOT registered, miss benefits. SOLUTION: Approach Farmers Commission in your state, revenue office to formalize tenancy. Current movement to recognize tenant farmers across India under PM Kisan.
How to apply for tractor/equipment subsidy? When do applications open?
SCHEME: SMAM (Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization) under National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology. SUBSIDY: 40-50% of equipment cost for general category, 50% for SC/ST/Small & Marginal farmers/Women/NE states. EQUIPMENT COVERED: Tractors (up to 50 HP), Power tillers, Rotavator, Cultivator, Seed drill/planter, Sprayers, Harvesters (combine, reaper, thresher), Drip/sprinkler irrigation, Post-harvest equipment (dryer, grader, thresher). APPLICATION: STATE-SPECIFIC portal. Visit your state agriculture department website → Mechanization/SMAM scheme → Online application (during notification period). Fill form: Aadhaar, bank, land details, category (SC/ST/General), choice of equipment. Upload: Land documents, caste certificate (if applicable), bank passbook, Aadhaar. SELECTION: Limited slots per district. If applications > slots, LOTTERY/DRAW conducted. Selection list published. PURCHASE: If selected, SMS/email sent → Purchase from APPROVED DEALER (list on portal) within 30-60 days → Submit purchase invoice, dealer certificate, bank details → Subsidy credited in 30-60 days. TIMING: Usually annual/bi-annual. Applications open for 30-60 days (varies). Check portal frequently. HELPLINE: State agriculture department helpline or call district agriculture office.
What is PM Kusum scheme for solar pumps? How much subsidy?
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) = Solar power scheme for farmers. THREE COMPONENTS: A) 10,000 MW grid-connected solar plants on barren/fallow land (farmers lease land, earn rental). B) 20 lakh STANDALONE SOLAR PUMPS (off-grid for irrigation). C) Solarization of 15 lakh GRID-CONNECTED pumps (existing electric pumps retrofitted with solar). SUBSIDY (Component B - Standalone pumps): 60% by government (30% central + 30% state), 30% bank loan, 10% farmer contribution. Example: 5 HP pump costs ₹3 lakh. Subsidy ₹1.8L (60%), Loan ₹90K (30%), Farmer pays ₹30K (10%). BENEFITS: No electricity bill (saves ₹10-20K/year), reliable power (grid issues resolved), extra income (sell surplus solar power to DISCOM under net metering). ELIGIBILITY: Farmers with agricultural land, electricity connection (for component C), willing to contribute 10%. APPLICATION: State DISCOM website (electricity board) OR renewable energy nodal agency. Notifications issued periodically (limited slots). Fill online form → Submit documents (land records, Aadhaar, bank, electricity bill for component C) → Empanelment of vendor → Installation → Commissioning → Subsidy credited. OR 30% upfront, 30% post-installation. STATES: Implementation varies. Check: mnre.gov.in/solar/schemes or state DISCOM website.
What is PM Kisan Maandhan pension scheme? Who is eligible?
PM-KM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan) = Pension scheme for small & marginal farmers. ELIGIBILITY: 1) Small & marginal farmers (landholding ≤ 2 hectares). 2) Age 18-40 years at enrollment. 3) Should not be beneficiary of NPS, ESIC, EPFO. 4) Not income tax payer. CONTRIBUTION: Monthly contribution based on entry age: Age 18: ₹55/month, Age 20: ₹58/month, Age 25: ₹76/month, Age 30: ₹105/month, Age 35: ₹140/month, Age 40: ₹200/month. GOVERNMENT MATCHING CONTRIBUTION: 50:50. If you pay ₹100, govt pays ₹100 → Total ₹200/month deposited. PENSION: ₹3,000/month ASSURED after age 60. Lifetime pension. FAMILY PENSION: If pensioner dies, spouse gets ₹1,500/month. ENROLLMENT: Visit CSC (Common Service Center) OR agriculture office with Aadhaar, bank details (auto-debit for monthly contribution), land records. Also online: maandhan.in (limited). CONTRIBUTION AUTO-DEBIT from savings bank account. VOLUNTARY EXIT: Can exit before 60, get contribution + interest back (no govt contribution returned). MATURITY: At age 60, start receiving ₹3,000/month lifelong. HELPLINE: 1800-3000-3468 (toll-free). Good for retirement security!
What is Kisan Call Center? How to get agriculture advice?
KISAN CALL CENTER (KCC) = Toll-free helpline providing instant advice to farmers on agriculture & allied activities. HELPLINE NUMBER: 1800-180-1551 (toll-free from any phone including mobile). TIMING: 6 AM - 10 PM (all days including Sundays/holidays). LANGUAGES: 22 Indian languages based on state (Hindi, English, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, etc.). EXPERTS: Agricultural scientists, subject matter specialists (agronomy, horticulture, plant protection, veterinary, fishery, sericulture). QUERIES ANSWERED: 1) Crop management (sowing, spacing, water, fertilizers), 2) Pest/disease identification & control (upload photo if app used), 3) Weather information, 4) Organic farming, 5) Government schemes (PM Kisan, PMFBY, KCC, subsidies), 6) Market prices/MSP, 7) Soil health, seeds, 8) Livestock/poultry diseases, 9) Water management, irrigation, 10) Farm mechanization. HOW: Call 1800-180-1551 → Select language → Connect to expert → Ask query → Get solution. ALSO: SMS service 51969 (send crop name, get advisories). Mobile APP: Kisan Call Center app (geotagged query, photo upload, call back feature). RECORD maintained: Query logged, solution tracked. FREE service, use extensively!
What is FPO (Farmer Producer Organization)? Benefits of forming FPO?
FPO = Farmer Producer Organization. Company/cooperative/society of farmers (producers) for collective benefit. Like cooperative but professionally managed. MEMBERS: Minimum 10 farmers (can be 100s). Small/marginal farmers pool resources. LEGAL STRUCTURE: Registered under Companies Act as Producer Company OR Societies Act OR Cooperative Act. OBJECTIVES: Collective farming, input procurement (seeds, fertilizers at bulk price), output marketing (better price through volume), processing (value addition - dal from pulses, oil from seeds), storage (godowns, cold storage), mechanization sharing (tractor, harvester). BENEFITS OF FPO: 1) Better input prices (10-15% cheaper through bulk buying). 2) Better output prices (10-20% more by selling directly to bulk buyers, reducing middlemen). 3) Access to credit (easier bank loans, better terms). 4) Government schemes PRIORITY (RKVY grants, processing units up to ₹10 lakh, marketing infrastructure, training). 5) Technical support (agri-experts, quality testing). 6) Risk pooling (crop failure, market price crash). HOW TO FORM: 10+ farmers → Register as Producer Company (hire CA/consultant for registration ₹10-20K) → Apply for government support (₹15 lakh grant over 3 years under FPO promotion scheme) → Start operations. EXISTING: 10,000+ FPOs in India. JOIN existing OR form new. Contact: District agriculture office, NABARD, SFAC (Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium).
Organic farming - how to start? What government support available?
ORGANIC FARMING = Cultivation without synthetic chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides). Uses bio-inputs: FYM (farmyard manure), compost, vermicompost, bio-fertilizers (Rhizobium, Azotobacter, PSB), bio-pesticides (Neem, Panchagavya, Trichoderma). SCHEME: PARAMPARAGAT KRISHI VIKAS YOJANA (PKVY) under Organic Farming Mission. ASSISTANCE: ₹50,000/hectare over 3 years: Year 1: ₹20,000 (organic inputs, seeds, bio-fertilizers, training). Year 2: ₹15,000 (continued inputs). Year 3: ₹15,000 (certification, packaging, branding, marketing support). CLUSTER APPROACH: 50 acres = 1 cluster (50 farmers with 1 acre each OR mix). Apply as group/FPO. CERTIFICATION: PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System) - government certification OR NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production) - certification bodies (for export). 3-YEAR CONVERSION: Year 1-2: "In-conversion" (chemical to organic transition, don't get organic premium). Year 3 onwards: "Certified Organic" (command 20-30% premium price). APPLICATION: District agriculture office → Submit group application (farmer list, Aadhaar, land details, crops to cultivate) → Approval → Form cluster → Start organic farming → Regular monitoring → Inputs provided → Certification facilitated. MARKET: Government e-NAM has organic section. Private buyers (organic stores, exporters) pay premium. CHALLENGES: Lower yield initially (first 2 years), patience needed. Long-term: Soil health improves, input cost reduces, premium price compensates.
Landholding size - how much land do I need to be eligible for schemes?
SCHEME-WISE ELIGIBILITY (landholding criteria): PM KISAN: NO MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM! Even 0.01 hectare (100 sqm, 1 guntha) landholding eligible. Any size farmer gets ₹6,000/year. CROP INSURANCE (PMFBY): All farmers (small, marginal, medium, large). No land limit. Even tenant farmers (in some states). KISAN CREDIT CARD: Any landholding size. Credit limit based on extent of land × crop scale of finance. PM KISAN MAANDHAN (Pension): SMALL & MARGINAL only = ≤ 2 hectares (5 acres). Equipment/Machinery Subsidy: Usually priority to small/marginal (≤ 2 ha) with 50% subsidy. Medium/large get 40%. DEFINITIONS: Marginal farmer: <1 hectare (2.5 acres), Small farmer: 1-2 hectares (2.5-5 acres), Medium: 2-10 hectares, Large: >10 hectares. ORGANIC FARMING (PKVY): Any size, but cluster approach (group applications). REALITY CHECK: 86% Indian farmers are small/marginal (<2 ha). Most schemes designed keeping them in mind. LANDLESS: Tenant farmers, agricultural laborers generally excluded from land-based schemes (exceptions: some states allow tenant farmers in PM Kisan if registered). SHARECROPPERS: Eligibility state-dependent (few states have tenant farmer database). BOTTOM LINE: For PM Kisan, crop insurance, KCC - land size doesn't matter, even smallest landholding eligible.
Required Documents
- Land Records/Ownership Documents (7/12, 8A, Khatiyan, ROR, Patta, land title deed)
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for PM Kisan, e-KYC, DBT)
- Bank Account Passbook (in farmer name, Aadhaar-linked for DBT)
- Passport Size Photographs (recent, 4-6 copies)
- Caste Certificate (if SC/ST for additional subsidy benefits)
- Income Certificate (for certain schemes with income limits)
- Mobile Number (for OTP verification, scheme updates)
- PAN Card (for KCC, high-value loans, bank formalities)
- Crop Details (sowing area, crop type for insurance/MSP)
- Previous Loan Documents (if applying for KCC with existing loan)
- Family Ration Card (for family identification in schemes)
- Residence Proof (for state-specific schemes)
- Tenant Agreement/Consent Letter (if sharecropper/tenant farmer)
- FPO/SHG Membership Certificate (for group schemes)
- Organic Certification Documents (for organic farming schemes)
- Vehicle Registration (for equipment/machinery subsidy)
- Electricity Connection Bill (for PM Kusum solar pump)