The Krishak Bandhu Scheme 2026 is a flagship welfare initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal to support farmers financially and socially. This scheme provides direct income support to farmers along with a life insurance cover, making it one of the most comprehensive farmer welfare schemes in India.
Agriculture is the backbone of West Bengal’s economy, and farmers often face financial instability due to unpredictable weather, crop failure, and market fluctuations. The Krishak Bandhu Scheme aims to reduce these risks by ensuring a steady income and financial protection.
In this detailed article, you will learn everything about the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, including eligibility, benefits, application process, documents required, and features.
What is the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Table of Contents
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme introduced by the West Bengal government to provide:
- Annual financial assistance to farmers
- Death benefit insurance coverage
Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹10,000 per year in two installments for agricultural support. In addition, the scheme offers a death benefit of ₹2 lakh to the family of a deceased farmer.
The scheme was initially launched in 2019 and later expanded to include more farmers and increased benefits.
Key Highlights of Krishak Bandhu Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Krishak Bandhu Prakalpa |
| State | West Bengal |
| Launch Year | 2019 (Updated version active) |
| Financial Assistance | ₹10,000 per year |
| Installments | 2 (₹5000 each) |
| Death Benefit | ₹2,00,000 |
| Beneficiaries | Farmers & sharecroppers |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Official Authority | Govt. of West Bengal |
Objectives of Krishak Bandhu Scheme
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme focuses on improving farmers’ lives through multiple objectives:
1. Financial Stability for Farmers
Provides assured income to farmers for agricultural expenses.
2. Risk Coverage
Offers life insurance to protect farmers’ families.
3. Agricultural Growth
Encourages farmers to invest in better seeds, fertilizers, and tools.
4. Rural Development
Boosts rural economy by improving purchasing power.
5. Social Security
Ensures that farmers’ families are financially protected in case of death.
Eligibility Criteria for Krishak Bandhu Scheme
To avail benefits under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Residency
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Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
2. Farmer Category
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Must be a farmer or sharecropper (Bargadar)
3. Land Ownership
- Must have agricultural land in their name
- Sharecroppers must be registered
4. Age Limit (for Death Benefit)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 60 years
5. Bank Account
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Must have a valid bank account linked with Aadhaar
Benefits of Krishak Bandhu Scheme
The scheme provides two major benefits:
1. Annual Financial Assistance
₹10,000 per year for farmers with 1 acre or more land
Paid in two installments:
- Kharif Season: ₹5000
- Rabi Season: ₹5000
For Small Farmers
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Farmers with less than 1 acre receive proportionate benefits
2. Death Benefit (Insurance Cover)
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₹2,00,000 is given to the nominee/family of the deceased farmer
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Applicable if the farmer dies between 18-60 years of age
3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
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Funds are transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account
4. Coverage for Sharecroppers
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Includes Bargadars (sharecroppers), making it inclusive
5. No Premium Required
-
Farmers do not need to pay any premium for the insurance benefit
Financial Structure of the Scheme
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Assistance | ₹10,000 |
| Per Installment | ₹5000 |
| Death Benefit | ₹2,00,000 |
Step-by-Step Guide To Apply For Krishak Bandhu Scheme
Farmers can apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme through offline and online methods.
1. Offline Application
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Visit the nearest:
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Block Development Office (BDO)
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Agriculture Office
-
-
Collect the application form
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Fill in required details
-
Attach documents
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Submit to the office
2. Online Application
- Visit the official portal of Krishak Bandhu
- Register with basic details
- Fill application form
- Upload documents
- Submit application
3. Verification Process
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Authorities verify:
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Land records
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Identity proof
-
-
Approval is granted after successful verification
4. Payment Process
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Funds are credited directly through DBT system
Documents Required For Applying For Krishak Bandhu Scheme
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Land Records (Patta/Khatiyan)
- Bank Passbook
- Passport Size Photograph
- Domicile Certificate
Important Features of Krishak Bandhu Scheme
- Covers both financial aid and insurance
- Includes sharecroppers
- No application fee
- Transparent DBT system
- Supports small and marginal farmers
Advantages and Disadvantages Of The Scheme:
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a scheme helps individuals make informed decisions before applying. While benefits highlight financial support, security, and opportunities, the limitations may include eligibility restrictions or lower assistance amounts. Evaluating both aspects ensures a clear understanding of how useful and effective the scheme is for beneficiaries.
Advantages:
- Direct financial support to farmers
- Helps in agricultural investment
- Provides social security through insurance
- Covers a large number of beneficiaries
- Easy application process
Disadvantages
- Limited financial amount
- Only applicable to West Bengal farmers
- Requires proper land documentation
- Awareness in rural areas still limited
Impact of Krishak Bandhu Scheme:
The scheme has significantly improved the lives of farmers in West Bengal:
- Increased agricultural productivity
- Reduced farmer distress
- Provided financial stability
- Helped families during emergencies
Lakhs of farmers have already benefited from this scheme, making it one of the most successful state-level farmer welfare programs.
Krishak Bandhu Scheme vs PM-KISAN
| Feature | Krishak Bandhu | PM-KISAN |
|---|---|---|
| State/Central | State (WB) | Central |
| Annual Benefit | ₹10,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Insurance | Yes | No |
| Sharecroppers | Included | Not included |
Conclusion:
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme 2026 is a powerful initiative by the West Bengal government aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods. By providing ₹10,000 annual financial assistance and a ₹2 lakh death benefit, the scheme ensures both economic support and social security.
For farmers struggling with financial uncertainty, this scheme acts as a lifeline. It not only supports agricultural activities but also safeguards families in difficult times.
If you are a farmer in West Bengal, applying for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme can be a crucial step toward financial stability and security.
FAQs:
Q. What is the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
A. It is a farmer welfare scheme providing financial aid and insurance benefits.
Q. How much money is given?
A. ₹10,000 annually in two installments.
Q. What is the death benefit?
A. ₹2 lakh is given to the farmer’s family.
Q. Who can apply?
A. Farmers and registered sharecroppers in West Bengal.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is required for DBT.
Q. Can small farmers apply?
A. Yes, they receive proportionate benefits.
Q. Is there any fee?
A. No, the application is free.
Q. How is money transferred?
A. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).