Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
KCC is a flagship government initiative for agricultural credit, directly impacting farmer welfare, agricultural productivity, and rural economic development. Its effectiveness, expansion to allied sectors, and challenges (like Non-Performing Assets) are critical for understanding India's agrarian policies and financial inclusion efforts.
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, launched in 1998, aims to provide adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to farmers for their cultivation needs, post-harvest expenses, and consumption requirements. It has been expanded to cover allied activities like animal husbandry and fisheries.