Farmers are the backbone of India, feeding over a billion people every day. But let’s be honest—farming isn’t easy. Unpredictable weather, rising costs, and fluctuating market prices make it a tough job. That’s why the Indian government has introduced several welfare schemes to support farmers, ensuring they have access to financial aid, insurance, better technology, and subsidies.
Want to know the best schemes available? Here’s a list of the top 10 government schemes that every Indian farmer should know about!
Here’s a detailed table format to make the key points of these farmer welfare schemes easier to understand.
Top 10 Welfare Schemes for Farmers in India – Quick Summary
| Scheme Name | Key Benefits | Eligibility | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM-KISAN | ₹6,000 per year (3 installments) | Small & marginal farmers with cultivable land | pmkisan.gov.in or CSC centers |
| PMFBY (Crop Insurance) | Covers crop loss due to disasters, pests & diseases | All farmers growing insured crops | pmfby.gov.in or nearest bank |
| Kisan Credit Card (KCC) | Loans up to ₹3 lakh at 4% interest | Farmers involved in crop production & allied activities | Nearest bank or cooperative society |
| PM Kusum Yojana | Subsidy up to 90% on solar pumps | Farmers with valid land ownership | State nodal agencies or mnre.gov.in |
| PKVY (Organic Farming) | ₹50,000 per hectare financial aid | Farmers switching to organic farming | State Agriculture Department |
| e-NAM (Online Agriculture Market) | Direct access to buyers for better prices | Farmers registered with local mandis | enam.gov.in |
| Soil Health Card Scheme | Free soil testing every 3 years | All farmers | Nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or soilhealth.dac.gov.in |
| RKVY (Agriculture Development) | Funding for modern farming & infrastructure | Farmers & state agriculture projects | State Agriculture Department |
| NMSA (Climate-Resilient Farming) | Promotes water conservation & drought-resistant crops | Farmers adopting climate-smart practices | Local agriculture office |
| NABARD RIDF | Low-interest loans for rural infrastructure | State governments & cooperatives | Contact NABARD office |
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Loan Interest Rates
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Subsidy on Timely Repayment |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹3 lakh | 7% | 3% subsidy → Final rate: 4% |
| ₹3 lakh – ₹5 lakh | 9% | No subsidy |
| Above ₹5 lakh | Market Rate | No subsidy |
PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) – Premium Rates
| Crop Type | Farmer’s Premium Share | Government Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kharif Crops | 2% | Rest of the premium |
| Rabi Crops | 1.5% | Rest of the premium |
| Commercial/Horticulture Crops | 5% | Rest of the premium |
Solar Pump Subsidy Under PM Kusum Yojana
| Category | Government Subsidy | Farmer’s Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Small/Marginal Farmers | Up to 90% | 10% |
| Other Farmers | 70-80% | 20-30% |
How to Check Your PM-KISAN Payment Status?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit pmkisan.gov.in |
| Step 2 | Click on ‘Beneficiary Status’ |
| Step 3 | Enter Aadhaar Number or Bank Account Details |
| Step 4 | Click ‘Get Data’ to check status |
These tables provide easy-to-read, structured information for quick reference. Hope this helps! 🚜🌱
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
Let’s start with one of the most popular schemes—PM-KISAN. Launched in 2019, this scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers in three equal installments. The money is directly credited to farmers’ bank accounts, helping them manage farming expenses without taking unnecessary loans.
Who Can Apply?
✔️ Small and marginal farmers with cultivable land
✔️ Must be an Indian citizen
✔️ Land records should be in the farmer’s name
How to Apply?
Farmers can apply online via pmkisan.gov.in or visit their nearest Common Service Center (CSC).
2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Weather can be a farmer’s biggest enemy—too much rain or no rain at all can ruin crops. That’s where PMFBY comes in! This crop insurance scheme protects farmers from financial losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases.
Key Benefits
✅ Farmers pay only 2% of the premium for Kharif crops and 1.5% for Rabi crops
✅ Government pays the rest of the premium
✅ Covers crop damage due to drought, floods, pests, and other calamities
How to Apply?
Farmers can apply through their bank, insurance companies, or online at pmfby.gov.in.
3. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
Ever needed quick cash for farming but got stuck in a bank’s red tape? Kisan Credit Card (KCC) solves that problem! This scheme provides low-interest loans to farmers for crop production, machinery, fertilizers, and other farming needs.
Why Should You Get a KCC?
✔️ Loans available at just 4% interest (with timely repayment)
✔️ Up to ₹3 lakh loan limit
✔️ Farmers also get insurance coverage of ₹50,000
How to Apply?
Visit your nearest bank or cooperative society and ask for a KCC application.
4. PM Kusum Scheme
Electricity costs can eat into a farmer’s profit. PM Kusum Yojana helps farmers set up solar pumps to reduce their electricity bills. The government even offers subsidies up to 90% for installing solar panels!
Main Benefits
✅ Free or low-cost solar-powered irrigation pumps
✅ Farmers can sell extra electricity back to the grid
✅ Reduces dependence on diesel and electricity
How to Apply?
Farmers can apply through state nodal agencies or visit mnre.gov.in for details.
5. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
If you’re interested in organic farming, this scheme is for you! PKVY promotes chemical-free farming by providing financial help of ₹50,000 per hectare to farmers switching to organic methods.
Why is it Important?
✔️ Helps produce healthier, chemical-free crops
✔️ Reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers
✔️ Farmers get support for organic certification
How to Apply?
Farmers can apply through their State Agriculture Department.
6. e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
Imagine selling your crops online and getting the best price without middlemen eating up your profits. That’s exactly what e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) does! This digital platform connects farmers to buyers directly, ensuring fair prices for their produce.
Why e-NAM?
✅ Farmers get better market rates for their crops
✅ Reduces exploitation by middlemen
✅ Saves time by allowing direct online transactions
How to Use e-NAM?
Farmers can register at enam.gov.in or visit a nearby e-NAM mandi.
7. Soil Health Card Scheme
Fertile soil = better crops and higher profits. But how do you know if your soil is healthy? Soil Health Card Scheme helps farmers get their soil tested every 3 years to determine the right fertilizers and nutrients needed.
Main Benefits
✔️ Helps prevent excessive use of fertilizers
✔️ Farmers get personalized soil reports
✔️ Saves money by optimizing fertilizer use
How to Get a Soil Health Card?
Farmers can visit their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or apply online at soilhealth.dac.gov.in.
8. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
Launched to boost agricultural growth, RKVY provides funding to states for projects related to agriculture, irrigation, dairy farming, and horticulture. The goal? Higher productivity and better income for farmers.
Why RKVY?
✅ Supports modern farming techniques
✅ Funds agriculture infrastructure projects
✅ Promotes innovation in farming
How to Apply?
Farmers should contact their State Agriculture Department for project-based funding.
9. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Climate change is real, and farmers feel its impact every day. NMSA helps farmers adapt to climate change by promoting water conservation, efficient irrigation, and climate-resilient crops.
Main Benefits
✔️ Promotes drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crops
✔️ Encourages rainwater harvesting
✔️ Provides financial aid for modern irrigation methods
How to Apply?
Farmers can register at their local agriculture office.
10. NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
Farming isn’t just about seeds and crops—it also needs good infrastructure. NABARD RIDF provides low-interest loans to states for building rural roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to help farmers.
Why It Matters?
✅ Better road connectivity for faster transport of crops
✅ Irrigation development for improved water availability
✅ Cold storage facilities to prevent crop wastage
How to Benefit?
Farmers can contact their local NABARD office for project details.
Conclusion
Farming is challenging, but these 10 government schemes are designed to make life easier for Indian farmers. Whether it’s financial aid, crop insurance, market access, or technology support, these schemes provide real benefits to farmers across the country.
If you’re a farmer (or know one), don’t miss out on these opportunities! Apply today and secure a better future for your farm and family. 🚜🌾
FAQs
❓ Can a farmer apply for multiple government schemes?
Yes! Farmers can apply for multiple schemes as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each.
❓ How long does it take to receive PM-KISAN benefits after applying?
It usually takes 30-45 days after verification. You can check the status online.
❓ Is PM Kusum Yojana available for all farmers?
Yes, but preference is given to small and marginal farmers with limited access to electricity.
❓ Do farmers have to repay loans under Kisan Credit Card?
Yes, but if they repay on time, they get a lower interest rate (4%).
❓ How do farmers check their crop insurance claims under PMFBY?
Farmers can check their claim status at pmfby.gov.in or contact their insurance provider.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below! 🌱🚜
Tamim is a distinguished policy analyst with over 15 years of experience in analyzing, government schemes and policies. Tamim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of social development.