Show your 7/12 land record and claim benefits: 3 government schemes for farmers

India is an agrarian country and a large section of the population depends on farming for a living. Agriculture is the country's largest employment sector. Some farmers want to adopt new methods to make farming profitable, but lack the capital to do so. The government has brought in several schemes for such farmers, offering loans and financial assistance.

The first is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which provides loans for farming and other agricultural work. Farmers engaged in animal husbandry and fisheries, along with those in cultivation, can also benefit from this scheme. Under it, loans of up to Rs 5 lakh are available at an annual interest rate of 7 percent. If the loan is repaid on time, the government gives a 3 percent interest subsidy, so borrowers effectively pay only 4 percent interest.

The scheme is open to farmers, self-employed groups, dairy farmers, poultry farmers and fishermen. Farmers who own their land or cultivate on leased land are also eligible. Applicants need land record documents or a land record certified by the patwari. They also need one of the following: Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID or driving licence, along with details of the loan project. The KCC loan can be applied for at any government or private bank.

The second is the Pradhan Mantri Maandhan Yojana, a pension scheme for farmers above 60 years of age. Enrolling in the scheme provides a pension of up to Rs 3,000 per month. Premiums of Rs 55 to Rs 200 per month, depending on age, must be paid. The scheme is meant only for small and marginal farmers, that is those holding 2 hectares or less of cultivable land. Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years of age. Applications can be made through a CSC centre or the website maandhan.in. Applicants need an Aadhaar card, land documents, bank details and mobile number. The premium amount depends on age, and the government contributes an equal amount. On turning 60, the beneficiary receives a pension of Rs 3,000 per month. If the beneficiary dies, their spouse receives Rs 1,500 per month.

The third and largest scheme is the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which farmers receive Rs 6,000 a year. About 93 million farmers currently benefit from the scheme, and all categories of farmers are eligible. Applicants need land documents, bank details, Aadhaar card and mobile number. Applications can be made at the nearest customer service centre. After applying, e-KYC, land registration and Aadhaar-bank linking must be completed. The amount is credited directly to the farmer's bank account.