West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme: A Comprehensive Support System for Farmers
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme, launched in 2019 by the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, is a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring financial security and sustainability for the state’s farming community. With a dual focus on direct income support and risk mitigation through death and disability benefits, this scheme stands as a significant pillar of welfare for West Bengal’s small and marginal farmers.
Key Objectives of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme
The scheme is designed to:
- Provide direct financial assistance to farmers for agricultural activities.
- Support farmer families in the unfortunate event of death or permanent disability.
- Promote agricultural stability and risk coverage.
Direct Income Support: Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability
Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹5,000/- per acre per year, capped at 2 acres. The support is disbursed in two equal installments—one each for the Kharif and Rabi crop seasons.
Eligibility for Income Support
- Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Must own up to 2 acres of cultivable land.
- Must be actively engaged in farming.
Income Support Breakdown
- Farmers with 1 acre or more: ₹10,000 per annum (₹5,000 per season).
- Farmers with less than 1 acre: Support is provided on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum of ₹4,000 per year.
Death and Disability Benefit: A Safety Net for Families
The scheme also provides a one-time financial grant of ₹2,00,000/- in case of the death or permanent disability of a registered farmer, offering vital support to the family during times of distress.
Eligibility for Death/Disability Benefits
- The farmer must be aged between 18–60 years.
- The applicant must be the legal heir (for death benefit).
- The farmer must have been enrolled under the scheme at the time of incident.
Benefit Details
- Death: ₹2,00,000/- lump sum to the legal heir.
- Permanent Disability: ₹2,00,000/- lump sum to the affected farmer.
- Requires submission of death or disability certificates and legal heir documentation.
Application Process: Easy and Accessible
Applicants can apply online or offline for the scheme.
Offline Process
- Visit the nearest Gram Panchayat or Assistant Director of Agriculture office.
- Fill the prescribed application form.
- Attach required documents and submit the form.
- Collect a submission receipt or acknowledgement.
Online Application
- Apply through the official portal: https://krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in/users/sign_up
Required Documents
For Income Support:
- Record of Rights (RoR) / Land Ownership Document / Patta.
- Voter ID (mandatory), Aadhaar (optional).
- Bank passbook (first and last page) or cancelled cheque.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Self-declaration and land-related documents.
For Death/Disability Benefit:
- Death certificate.
- Legal heir certificate.
- Disability certificate (for disability benefit).
- Aadhaar and land documents of the farmer.
Disbursement Details
- Mode: All payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Conditions:
- Income support is linked to verified land ownership records.
- Death and disability benefits require legal documentation.
Helpline and Support
- Helpline Numbers: 8336957370, 6291720406 (available from 10 AM to 6 PM)
- Email: [email protected]
- Status Tracking: Application status can be checked at https://krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in
Conclusion
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a commendable effort by the West Bengal Government to empower the state’s farming community. By combining income support with social security measures, the scheme not only ensures economic stability for farmers but also builds a robust safety net for their families. With both online and offline accessibility, the scheme is a model for inclusive and farmer-friendly governance.
Source: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/kbs