What is Kisan Credit Card Yojana?

The Kisan Credit Card Yojana was launched in 1998 – 99 with the aim of providing short term loans to farmers. Under this scheme, a farmer who was eligible for a short-term loan of Rs 5000 or more is to be issued with a Kisan Credit Card and a passbook. the size of land holding, the pattern of crop and the amount of credit determines the limit of the Kisan Credit Card. The farmer can draw a prescribed amount on the basis of this card which has to be repaid within a year. The card has a validity of 3 years beyond which the limit of credit can be increased if the farmer’s performance is satisfactory. On the basis of the popularity of the scheme, it is available at all commercial, cooperative and regional rural banks.