Krishak Bandhu Scheme: A Farmer’s Friend in West Bengal

Welcome to our site! In this blog, we’re diving into the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative launched by the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal in 2019. This scheme is designed to support farmers in West Bengal by providing them with financial assistance and insurance coverage. If you’re a farmer in West Bengal or know someone who is, this information could be incredibly helpful. Let’s explore the details of this farmer-friendly scheme and how you can benefit from it.

What is the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a flagship program of the West Bengal government aimed at supporting the farming community. It’s not just another scheme – it’s a lifeline for many farmers in the state. The scheme has two main goals:

1. To provide farmers with a steady income to help them during the crucial pre-production stage.
2. To offer financial protection to farm families in case a farmer passes away unexpectedly.

Now, you might be wondering, “How does this scheme work?” Well, it’s actually split into two parts:

1. Krishak Bandhu (Assured Income) Scheme: This part of the scheme provides financial assistance to farmers. If you’re a farmer with one acre or more of land, you could receive up to ₹10,000 per year. Even if you have less than an acre, you’re not left out – you could get up to ₹4,000 per year.
2. Krishak Bandhu (Death Benefit) Scheme: This part of the scheme offers a safety net for farm families. If a farmer or sharecropper between 18 and 60 years old passes away, their family can receive a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000.

These benefits can make a real difference in a farmer’s life, providing both regular support and peace of mind.

Krishak Bandhu Scheme: Details Summary

Let’s break down the key details of this scheme:

Benefits of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme offers several benefits that can make a real difference in a farmer’s life. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect:

1. Regular Financial Support: Under the Assured Income part of the scheme, farmers receive money twice a year – once during the Kharif season and once during the Rabi season. This regular support can help you plan your farming activities better.
2. Support for Small Farmers: Even if you have less than an acre of land, you’re not left out. The scheme ensures that small farmers also get financial assistance.
3. Help with Input Costs: The financial assistance is meant to help you buy seeds, fertilizers, and other things you need before you start planting. This can take some of the financial pressure off during the crucial pre-production stage.
4. Family Protection: The Death Benefit part of the scheme provides a safety net for your family. If something happens to you, your family won’t be left without support.
5. Wide Coverage: The scheme covers not just landowners, but also recorded sharecroppers. This ensures that a large number of people involved in farming can benefit.

These benefits show that the Krishak Bandhu Scheme is truly designed with farmers in mind, aiming to provide support at different stages and in different situations.

Who Can Apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?

Now, let’s talk about who can apply for this scheme. The eligibility criteria are quite straightforward:

1. Residency: You must be a resident of West Bengal. This scheme is specifically designed to support farmers in this state.
2. Land Ownership: You should have cultivable land with RoR (Record of Rights), Patta, or Forest Patta. If you’re a recorded Bhagchasi (sharecropper), you’re eligible too.
3. Age Limit for Death Benefit: For the Death Benefit part of the scheme, the farmer or sharecropper should be between 18 and 60 years old.

It’s worth noting that for the Death Benefit scheme, the legal heir of the deceased farmer will be determined by the Block Development Officer (BDO). So, if you’re applying for this part of the scheme, you might need to go through this process.

How to Apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

Applying for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme involves different steps depending on which part of the scheme you’re applying for. Let’s break it down:

For Krishak Bandhu (Assured Income) Scheme:

1. Fill the Form: Get the application form from your local Gram Panchayat (GP) and fill it out. Submit it to the GP where you have the most land.
2. Submit Documents: Along with your form, you’ll need to submit photocopies of relevant documents. Don’t forget to bring the originals too – they’ll need to verify them.
3. Get Verification: If possible, your application will be verified on the spot using the Krishak Bandhu (KB) App. You’ll get an Acknowledgement Slip right away.
4. Wait for Approval: The Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA) will check your application and land details. If everything’s correct, they’ll approve your enrollment.

For Krishak Bandhu (Death Benefit) Scheme:

1. Get the Form: You can pick up the application form from a Duare Sarkar camp.
2. Fill and Submit: Fill out the form and submit it to the Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA) of your block along with all the necessary documents.
3. Verification Process: The ADA will check your application. If it’s complete, they’ll forward it to the subdivision level.
4. Approval and Payment: Once approved, the Director of Agriculture will instruct the West Bengal State Co-operative Bank to transfer the grant to your bank account.

Remember, for both parts of the scheme, having all your documents ready can make the process much smoother. And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about any part of the application process!

Impact of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme has been making waves in West Bengal’s farming community since its launch in 2019. Here’s how it’s been changing lives:

1. Financial Stability: By providing regular financial assistance, the scheme has helped many farmers stabilize their income. This means less worry about how to afford seeds or fertilizers when it’s time to plant.
2. Encouragement for Small Farmers: The scheme’s inclusion of farmers with less than an acre of land has been a big boost for small farmers. It’s given them the confidence to continue farming, knowing they have some support.
3. Peace of Mind: The Death Benefit part of the scheme has provided a sense of security to many farming families. They know that even if something happens to the main earner, they won’t be left without any support.
4. Boost to Agriculture: With more financial security, some farmers have been able to try new farming techniques or crops. This could lead to increased agricultural productivity in the state.
5. Rural Economic Growth: The regular influx of money into rural areas through this scheme has the potential to boost local economies. When farmers have more to spend, local businesses benefit too.

Conclusion

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is more than just a government program – it’s a helping hand extended to the farmers of West Bengal. Whether you’re a farmer with acres of land or a sharecropper with a small plot, this scheme has something to offer you. From regular financial assistance to help you buy farming inputs, to a safety net for your family, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme is truly living up to its name as a ‘farmer’s friend’.

If you’re eligible for this scheme, don’t hesitate to apply. The process might seem a bit complex, but the benefits are worth it. And remember, there are people at your local agricultural office who can help you with the application process.

For those of us who aren’t farmers, this scheme is a reminder of the important role farmers play in our lives and the challenges they face. Supporting such initiatives, even if just by spreading awareness, is a way we can all contribute to the wellbeing of our farming communities.

So, whether you’re a farmer looking to apply, or just someone interested in agricultural policies, we hope this guide has been helpful. Here’s to a future where our farmers are supported, secure, and thriving!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Krishak Bandhu (Assured Income) Scheme?

All farmers in West Bengal who have cultivable land with RoR, Patta, or Forest Patta are eligible. This includes recorded Bhagchasi (sharecroppers) as well. The scheme aims to support both landowners and sharecroppers involved in farming activities.

What documents are needed to apply for the Krishak Bandhu (Assured Income) Scheme?

You’ll need several documents: your latest RoR of Cultivable Land (or RoR recorded with Barga / Patta Record/ Forest Patta), a valid Voter ID card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card (optional), bank passbook or cancelled cheque, a recent passport-size photo, and a valid mobile number. Having these ready can make your application process much smoother.

How much financial assistance can I get under the Krishak Bandhu (Assured Income) Scheme?

The amount depends on your land holding. If you have 1 acre or more of cultivable land, you can receive up to ₹10,000 per year. If you have less than 1 acre, you can get up to ₹4,000 per year. This amount is paid in two equal installments – one during the Kharif season and one during the Rabi season.