The Kisan Credit Card: A Review of Its Impact on Farmers’ Income, Indebtedness, and Agricultural Productivity

Abstract

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme is designed to address the diverse credit needs of farmers by providing a unified financial facility for agricultural activities. However, it presents both advantages and disadvantages at the societal level due to farmers’ economic challenges. This paper explores the KCC scheme through the lens of lived experiences, aiming to assess whether it serves as a blessing or presents challenges for Indian farmers. By examining qualitative data from field studies, the paper evaluates the scheme’s impact on farmers’ income, productivity, and overall financial stability. It highlights key benefits such as improved access to credit and increased agricultural productivity while also addressing significant challenges, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, low awareness, infrastructure limitations, and issues of corruption. The analysis reveals a nuanced picture in which the KCC scheme has indeed facilitated financial support and enhanced farm operations, yet it also encounters critical obstacles that undermine its effectiveness. The findings suggest that while the KCC has provided substantial benefits, it requires substantial reforms to fully realize its potential as a reliable and equitable financial tool for farmers.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199651524.2026.62-80