PKCC, A lifeline for cattle farmers in India, offering flexible credit, low interest, and livestock insurance to boost productivity and sustainable farming is an initiative started by the government and over 10 lakhs cards have been distributed to date.
What Is the PKCC Scheme?
The Pashu Kisan Credit Card Scheme is a government initiative designed to offer easy and affordable credit to farmers and those involved in cattle farming.
Introduced by the Indian government, the scheme is an extension of the Kisan Credit Card Yojana and aims to provide funds to farmers for the upkeep, breeding, and expansion of their livestock.
Features and Objectives of the Pashu Kisan Credit Card Scheme
The PKCC scheme provides livestock owners with substantial benefits and features, outlined as follows:
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Credit Facility
Owners of livestock are eligible for a loan amount up to ₹3 lakhs. The funds allocated are broken down as follows: ₹40,783 for each cow, ₹60,249 for each buffalo, ₹4063 for goats or sheep, and ₹720 for egg-laying chickens. No collateral is needed for loans up to ₹1.6 lakhs.
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Payment Terms
The loan under Pashu Kisan Credit Card is divided into six equal instalments, offering cattle farmers manageable payment terms.
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Interest Rates
While most banks provide loans at a 7% interest rate, the Pashu Kisan Credit Card scheme offers a more affordable 4% interest rate for livestock owners.
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Rebate
A unique feature of this scheme is the 3% rebate offered by the Central Government to cattle owners.
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Repayment Duration
The repayment period under this scheme is five years, giving cattle farmers ample time to repay the loan with the applicable interest.
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The Primary Objectives of the Pashu Kisan Credit Card Scheme
- Provide financial support to farmers engaged in animal husbandry.
- Promote the expansion of their livestock businesses nationwide.
- Aim to increase the income of cattle farmers.
Eligibility Criteria for a Pashu Kisan Credit Card
To be eligible for a PKCC, applicants must be:
1: Poultry and Small Ruminant Farmers
Pashu Kisan Credit Card includes Joint Liability Groups, Self-Help Groups of tenant farmers who own or have leased/rented sheds for poultry, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, birds, and individual or joint poultry farmers.
2: Dairy Farmers
The beneficiaries include Joint Liability Groups, Self Help Groups of tenant farmers who own or have leased/rented sheds, and individual or joint dairy farmers.
3: Fishery Farmers
Pashu Kisan Credit Card category comprises individual farmers, groups, tenant farmers, partners, and sharecroppers, as well as self-help groups and women groups. To qualify, beneficiaries should lease or own any fisheries-related facilities such as a rearing unit, tank, pond, raceway, open water bodies, or hatchery. They should also have a license for fish farming and fishing-related activities.
4: Marine Fisheries
Beneficiaries in this category include individual fish farmers, partners, tenant farmers, groups, sharecroppers, Joint Liability Groups, Self Help Groups, and Women groups. To be eligible, beneficiaries must lease or own a registered fishing vessel or boat, have a fishing license, and hold permission for fishing in the sea, and estuary, and for fish farming/mariculture activities in estuaries.
What Are the Documents Required for Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
The following documents are required when applying for a PKCC:
- Duly filled and signed application form.
- Identity proof such as Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
- Address proof like a utility bill, property tax receipt, etc.
- Livestock ownership proof.
- Bank account details.
Who Can Apply for a Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
- Farmers from Haryana involved in animal husbandry and related activities
- Farmers who belong to economically weaker sections
- They must have Kisan Credit card
How to Apply for a Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
Applicants can apply for a PKCC both online and offline, depending on their preference. Online Application for PKCC Scheme.
1: To Apply Online Follow These Steps:
- Visit the official website of the bank of your choice.
- Look for the option for ‘Pashu Kisan Credit Card’ and click on ‘Apply Now.’
- Fill in all the required details accurately.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Submit the application.
2: Apply for Pashu Kisan Credit Card Offline
- Visit the nearest branch of a participating bank.
- Ask for a PKCC application form.
- Fill it out correctly and attach the required documents.
- Submit the form at the bank.
Benefits of the Pashu Kisan Credit Card Scheme
The PKCC scheme offers several benefits:
- Financial Support: Provides farmers with easy and flexible access to credit for animal husbandry activities.
- Affordable Interest Rates: Offers affordable interest rates, easing the financial burden on farmers.
- Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage for livestock ensures financial protection against unforeseen incidents.
| This programme provides unsecured loan access up to ₹1.60. The PKCC programme assists those involved in agriculture with post-harvest costs. |
FAQs
Which banks offer Pashu Kisan Credit cards?
Most major banks in India offer the PKCC. It includes both public sector banks like SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, and private banks like HDFC, ICICI, etc.
Has the Reserve Bank of India decided to extend services of the Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
Yes! There is an extension of PKCC services announced by the RBI.
What is the limit of the PKCC?
The credit limit of a PKCC depends on the type and number of livestock owned by the farmer. It's determined by the bank during the application process.
Which state has Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
The PKCC scheme is a nationwide initiative, available to eligible farmers across all states of India. However, the Haryana government launched it.
What is the interest rate of Pashu KCC?
The interest rate for the PKCC can vary from bank to bank but is generally kept affordable to ease the financial burden on farmers. It is generally 4 percent.
Who launched Pashu Kisan Credit Card?
The Pashu Kisan Credit Card was launched by the Government of Haryana to financially support farmers involved in animal husbandry.
