The Central and State Governments of India offer numerous schemes to support farmers with income support, insurance, subsidies, and loans. KisanDecks helps you understand these schemes and guides you on how to apply and get maximum benefits for your farm.
Major Central Government Schemes
PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi)
Benefit: Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each
Who can apply: All landholding farmer families with cultivable land
How to apply: Online at pmkisan.gov.in or through CSC centers with Aadhaar and land documents
Payment: Direct transfer to bank account linked with Aadhaar
PM Fasal Bima Yojana (Crop Insurance)
Benefit: Comprehensive crop insurance against natural calamities, pests, and diseases
Premium: Just 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, 5% for horticultural crops
Coverage: Full insured amount minus your premium contribution
How to apply: Through banks, cooperative societies, or CSC centers before sowing deadline
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Benefit: Easy access to short-term credit for crop production and farm expenses
Interest: As low as 4% per annum for loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs with timely repayment
Features: Flexible withdrawal, ATM card, insurance coverage, no processing fee for most banks
How to apply: Apply at any bank branch with land documents, Aadhaar, and photos
PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana
Benefit: Subsidies for irrigation equipment including drip, sprinkler, and micro-irrigation
Subsidy: 55-90% depending on farmer category and state
Goal: "Har Khet Ko Pani" - Ensuring water to every farm
How to apply: Through state agriculture department or online portals
Soil Health Card Scheme
Benefit: Free soil testing with crop-wise fertilizer recommendations
Frequency: Issued every 2-3 years to all farmers
Purpose: Optimize fertilizer use, reduce costs, improve soil health
How to get: Contact local agriculture office or KVK for sample collection
Subsidy Programs for Farmers
- Fertilizer Subsidy: Government absorbs major portion of fertilizer cost - you pay only MRP
- Seed Subsidy: Certified seeds at 25-50% discount through state seed corporations
- Farm Machinery Subsidy: Up to 50% off on tractors, tillers, harvesters, and implements
- Solar Pump Subsidy (PM-KUSUM): 60-90% subsidy on solar pumps - only pay 10-30%
- Vermicompost/Organic Unit: Subsidies for setting up organic farming units
- Polyhouse/Shade Net: 50-75% subsidy for protected cultivation structures
How to Apply for Schemes
Most government schemes can be applied through these channels:
- Common Service Centers (CSC): Jan Seva Kendras in villages provide application assistance for most schemes
- Agriculture Office: Block or district level agriculture departments for scheme information and applications
- Banks: For KCC, agricultural loans, and insurance-related schemes
- Online Portals: pmkisan.gov.in, pmfby.gov.in, agriportal.cg.nic.in and state-specific websites
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra: For technical schemes and Soil Health Cards
Documents Usually Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for DBT payments)
- Land ownership documents (Khasra, Khatauni, 7/12 extract, or lease agreement)
- Bank passbook with IFSC code (for direct benefit transfer)
- Passport size photographs
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC specific benefits)
State-Specific Farmer Schemes
Many states have additional schemes for farmers beyond central programs:
- Telangana: Rythu Bandhu - Rs. 5,000/acre per season for investment support
- Odisha: KALIA Yojana - Rs. 4,000/season for small and marginal farmers
- Madhya Pradesh: Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana - Additional Rs. 4,000/year over PM-KISAN
- Jharkhand: Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana - Rs. 5,000/acre up to 5 acres
- Maharashtra: Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi - Rs. 6,000 additional to PM-KISAN
- Punjab: Free electricity for agriculture and subsidized inputs
Contact your local agriculture office or KisanDecks experts to learn about specific schemes available in your state.
Tips for Getting Maximum Benefits
- Keep your land records updated with correct ownership and area
- Link your Aadhaar with bank account and mobile number
- Apply for KCC even if you don't need loan immediately - it's your credit line
- Get crop insured every season - premium is very low
- Check PM-KISAN status regularly and update details if needed
- Apply for schemes before deadlines - don't wait for last date