The Kisan Credit Card

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a government-backed scheme in India that provides farmers with access to affordable credit for their agricultural needs. It aims to meet the credit requirements of farmers, including crop production expenses, post-harvest expenses, consumption needs, and working capital for allied agricultural activities.

Key features of the Kisan Credit Card scheme:

Eligibility: The KCC scheme is available to all farmers, including individuals, joint cultivators, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and oral lessees, who are engaged in agricultural activities.

Credit Limit: Farmers are provided with a revolving credit facility with a predefined credit limit based on the scale of operations, cropping pattern, and other factors. The credit limit is determined by considering the agricultural inputs required, the cost of cultivation, and the post-harvest expenses.

Flexible Withdrawal: Farmers can withdraw money from the Kisan Credit Card account as per their requirements. The withdrawal can be made in the form of cash or through checks, ATM cards, or online transfers.

Interest Subsidy: The KCC scheme offers interest subsidy to farmers. The government provides interest rate concessions to farmers, typically ranging from 2% to 4%, to make credit affordable and accessible to them.

Repayment Flexibility: The repayment period for KCC loans is usually up to one year, but it can be extended based on the farmer's income and repayment capacity. The loan can be repaid either in a single installment after harvest or in multiple installments during the loan tenure.

Insurance Coverage: Kisan Credit Card holders are eligible for crop insurance coverage, which provides financial protection against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The premium for the insurance is borne by the farmer, and the government provides subsidy support for the premium.

The Kisan Credit Card scheme is implemented by various public and private sector banks in India, and farmers can apply for the card through their respective banks or online platforms. The scheme aims to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers, promoting agricultural productivity and ensuring their financial well-being.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) initiated by the Government of India. NMSA was launched in 2010 with the objective of promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing productivity, and adapting to climate change challenges in the agricultural sector

Key objectives of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture:

Adaptation to Climate Change: NM SA aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices by providing support for the adoption of climate-smart technologies and techniques. It focuses on developing climate-resilient crops, improving water management, and promoting soil health management.

Conservation of Natural Resources: The mission emphasizes the conservation and efficient utilization of natural resources such as soil, water, and biodiversity It promotes the adoption of resource-efficient practices like conservation agriculture, precision farming, and agroforestry.

Sustainable Crop Production: NMSA supports the adoption of sustainable crop production practices, including the use of organic farming methods, integrated pest management, and improved seed varieties. It promotes the judicious use of agrochemicals and encourages the adoption of organic and natural farming approaches.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Dissemination: NMSA focuses on capacity building activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders. It promotes the dissemination of information, best practices, and technology advancements through training programs, workshops, and farmer field schools.

Market Linkages and Value Addition: The mission emphasizes the development of market linkages and value addition in agriculture. It supports the establishment of agribusiness infrastructure, cold chains, and post-harvest management facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers' income.

Institutional Support: NMSA works towards strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable agriculture It aims to improve coordination among different stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and farmers' organizations.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture operates through various programs and sub-schemes implemented by different government departments and agencies. It plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture practices