Kisan Credit Card: Agriculture serves as the primary means of livelihood for approximately thirty million farmers in the state. Among these, 79.5 percent are classified as marginal farmers, possessing one hectare of land, while 13 percent are small farmers, owning between one to two hectares.
Loans amounting to Rs 1.39 lakh crore
In the fiscal year 2023-24, around 1.10 crore Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders availed loans amounting to Rs 1.39 lakh crore, compared to 1.07 crore farmers who borrowed Rs 1.28 lakh crore in the previous year, 2022-23. A provision exists for a 3% discount on loans up to Rs 3 lakhs from KCC for agricultural purposes. Farmers who repay their loans within a year are required to pay only 4% interest.
Opportunity to secure loans up to Rs 5 lakhs
Furthermore, farmers will now have the opportunity to secure loans up to Rs 5 lakhs from KCC, with the same 3% discount applicable. The central government has announced the inclusion of 100 low-productivity districts in the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, with five districts from the state anticipated to be part of this initiative.
These districts in Uttar Pradesh may be selected among the 100 districts nationwide
According to departmental reports, during the Kharif season of 2024, crops were cultivated across approximately 90 lakh hectares, with pulses sown in 12 lakh hectares and oilseed crops in 6.5 lakh hectares. In terms of productivity, Sonbhadra, Shravasti, Mahoba, Chitrakoot, and Banda are identified as the least productive districts. Consequently, these districts in Uttar Pradesh may be selected among the 100 districts nationwide to be included in the scheme. Following their inclusion, enhancements in the provision of quality seeds, irrigation systems, crop diversification, and loan accessibility will be implemented in the designated districts.