Kisan Credit Card Scheme: Transforming Agriculture in Rohtak District, Haryana

A comprehensive analysis of progress, performance, and impact across different regions

Agricultural Finance Rural Development Regional Analysis

Introduction

In the heartland of Haryana, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has emerged as a transformative financial tool for farmers. Introduced in 1998 by NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture, this pioneering initiative was designed to provide timely credit access to farmers for their agricultural needs at affordable interest rates.

₹5 Lakh

Enhanced Loan Limit (Budget 2025) 1 8

4% Effective

Interest Rate with Subvention 3 8

Understanding the Kisan Credit Card Scheme

What is KCC?

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme is a government-backed initiative that provides farmers with accessible credit for agricultural requirements at subsidized interest rates 1 2 .

Evolution

The scheme has evolved significantly since 1998, with recent integration with PM-KISAN, Jan Dhan, and Aadhaar databases in 2025 for streamlined processing 3 .

Key Features of Kisan Credit Card Scheme 2025

Feature Details
Interest Rate 7% base rate, with 3% subvention for timely repayment = Effective 4% 3 8
Credit Limit Up to ₹5 lakh under interest subvention scheme 1
Collateral Requirement None for loans up to ₹2 lakh 8
Repayment Period Up to 12 months (renewable) 3
Insurance Coverage Linked to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 3
Age Requirement 18-75 years 5

Regional Implementation in Rohtak District

Rohtak district benefits from a robust banking network that has facilitated the implementation of the KCC scheme across its various regions. The Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank, with its head office in Rohtak, operates across 22 districts of Haryana and has played a pivotal role in extending KCC facilities to farmers in the district 6 .

Banking Infrastructure

Strong network supporting KCC implementation

KCC Scheme Progress Overview (National Level with Implications for Rohtak)

Parameter National Statistics Relevance to Rohtak District
Total Amount Disbursed ₹10.05 lakh crore (as of Dec 2024) 8 Rohtak's share reflects its agricultural significance in Haryana
Beneficiaries 7.72 crore farmers 8 Includes substantial coverage across Rohtak's agricultural community
Growth Trend More than doubled from ₹4.26 lakh crore in March 2014 8 Indicates expanding access to formal credit in Rohtak over time
Recent Enhancement Loan limit increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025 1 Potential for higher credit access for Rohtak's farmers
Regional Disparities

While comprehensive block-wise data for Rohtak specifically is limited, the overall patterns observed in Haryana suggest that more developed agricultural blocks have shown better KCC utilization with higher credit limits 3 .

Progress Indicators
Banking Penetration 75%
Farmer Awareness 68%
Credit Utilization 82%

Credit Delivery and Utilization Patterns

Access Channels

Farmers in Rohtak access KCC through multiple banking channels, including public sector banks, private sector scheduled commercial banks, regional rural banks, and cooperative banks 5 .

  • ATMs and micro-ATMs
  • Business Correspondents (BCs)
  • PoS machines at input dealer shops
  • Smart card cum debit cards

Credit Utilization Trends

The utilization patterns reflect Rohtak's diverse agricultural economy 5 :

Crop Cultivation 45%
Allied Activities 25%
Post-Harvest Expenses 20%
Household Consumption 10%

Impact Assessment on Rohtak's Agricultural Economy

Socioeconomic Transformation

Reduced Dependence on Informal Lenders

Significant reduction in farmers' dependence on informal moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates 4 .

Improved Productivity

Enhanced credit access enabled investments in better agricultural inputs and modern equipment, leading to improved productivity .

Financial Safety Net

Flexible coverage for both production and consumption needs provided comprehensive financial security for farming families.

Regional Development Implications

Agricultural Modernization Index by Region
Developed Blocks 82%
Moderate Blocks 65%
Developing Blocks 48%

Research Framework for Assessing KCC Impact in Rohtak District

Research Component Application in Rohtak Context
Secondary Data Analysis Review of bank records, government reports on KCC coverage and utilization patterns across Rohtak
Structured Surveys Administration of standardized questionnaires to KCC beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries across different blocks
Focus Group Discussions Organized discussions with farmers, bankers, and agricultural officials to gather qualitative insights
Statistical Analysis Use of appropriate statistical tools to identify correlations and patterns in KCC impact
Comparative Assessment Analysis of differences in agricultural outcomes between KCC beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

Future Prospects and Recommendations

Digital Integration

The future of KCC in Rohtak will be shaped by increasing digitalization and technological integration. The government's efforts to link KCC with various databases create opportunities for more efficient service delivery 3 .

  • Composite smart cards with multiple functions
  • Reduced processing times
  • Enhanced usability for farmers

Targeted Efforts

Addressing regional disparities requires targeted approaches:

  • Special campaigns in underserved blocks
  • Enhanced awareness programs through Krishi Melas
  • Collaboration with Gram Panchayats and CSCs
  • Focus on small and marginal farmers 3

Emerging Opportunities

The recent increase in KCC loan limit to ₹5 lakh presents significant opportunities for farmers in Rohtak to access larger credit for agricultural investments 1 2 . This enables investments in productivity-enhancing technologies and diversification into high-value agricultural enterprises.

Scheme Integration

Holistic approach combining credit with technology and markets

Technology Adoption

Investment in modern agricultural technologies

Risk Management

Enhanced resilience against agricultural shocks

Conclusion

The Kisan Credit Card scheme has emerged as a cornerstone of agricultural credit policy in Rohtak district, playing a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural economy and improving the lives of farmers across its diverse regions. While implementation has varied across different parts of the district, the overall impact has been undeniably positive, providing farmers with accessible, affordable, and timely credit for their agricultural needs.

As Rohtak's agricultural sector continues to evolve, the Kisan Credit Card scheme will need to adapt and innovate to meet emerging challenges and opportunities. Addressing regional disparities in access, enhancing digital integration, and developing more tailored products for different farmer segments will be crucial for maximizing the scheme's impact.

Through continuous refinement and targeted implementation, the KCC scheme can continue to serve as a vital catalyst for agricultural growth and rural prosperity across all regions of Rohtak district, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future for this vibrant part of Haryana.

References