Government support for farmers in India is no longer limited to subsidies alone. Today, schemes focus on income security, crop risk protection, affordable credit, irrigation, and market access. If you are a farmer or work in the agriculture sector, understanding these schemes—and knowing where to apply—can directly increase profitability and reduce risk.
Below is a ready-to-publish, no-nonsense guide to the most important government schemes for farmers in India.
PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Yojana
Direct Income Support for Farmers
Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments directly into their bank accounts.
Key benefits
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Assured annual income support
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Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
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No middlemen
Eligibility
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Small and marginal farmers
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Valid land ownership records
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Aadhaar-linked bank account
Where to apply
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PM-KISAN official website
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Common Service Centres (CSC)
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Local Agriculture Department office
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Crop Insurance Scheme
PMFBY protects farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
Premium rates
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Kharif crops: 2%
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Rabi crops: 1.5%
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Commercial crops: 5%
Where to apply
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PMFBY online portal
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Banks (at the time of crop loan)
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CSC centres
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Low-Interest Agricultural Loan Facility
KCC provides farmers with easy access to short-term credit for crop production, livestock, dairy, and fisheries.
Benefits
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Subsidised interest rates
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Flexible repayment options
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Covers allied farming activities
Where to apply
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Public and private sector banks
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Cooperative banks and PACS
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Selected bank websites
Soil Health Card Scheme
Free Soil Testing for Better Crop Yield
This scheme provides farmers with a Soil Health Card that recommends crop-wise fertilizer use based on soil testing.
Benefits
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Reduced fertilizer cost
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Improved soil fertility
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Higher crop productivity
Where to apply
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Soil Health Card portal
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Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
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Agriculture Department office
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
Irrigation & Micro-Irrigation Support
PMKSY promotes efficient water use through drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
Key focus
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Water conservation
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Micro-irrigation subsidy
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Farm water management
Where to apply
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State Agriculture or Horticulture Department
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District irrigation office
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Approved micro-irrigation vendors
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)
Online Mandi for Better Prices
e-NAM connects farmers to a pan-India electronic trading platform, improving price discovery.
Benefits
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Transparent pricing
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Reduced dependence on middlemen
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Faster payments
Where to apply
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e-NAM official portal
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Registered mandis and APMC offices
PM-KUSUM Yojana
Solar Energy for Farmers
PM-KUSUM provides subsidies for solar irrigation pumps and grid-connected solar plants.
Benefits
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Reduced diesel and electricity costs
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Sustainable energy use
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Additional income opportunities
Where to apply
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State Renewable Energy Development Agency
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DISCOM-notified application portals
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
Funding for Innovative Farming
RKVY supports modern farming practices, value addition, and agri-entrepreneurship.
Where to apply
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State Agriculture Department
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District RKVY implementation offices
Authority Implementing These Schemes
Most central schemes are implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in coordination with state governments.
Documents Required for Most Schemes
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Aadhaar card
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Land ownership records
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Bank account details
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Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
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Crop details (season-wise)
Final Takeaway
Government schemes are strategic tools, not handouts. Farmers who actively use these programs gain financial stability, lower risk, and higher long-term returns.
Disclaimer
Scheme benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change as per government notifications and state-specific rules. Farmers should always verify the latest information from official portals or local agriculture offices before applying.
