The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal aimed at providing comprehensive financial support and social security to farmers and sharecroppers in the state. The scheme addresses the critical financial hardships faced by the farming community, offering both assured income assistance during crucial agricultural seasons and life insurance coverage to protect farmers’ families in case of untimely death. Since its inception in 2019 and subsequent updates, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme has become a vital pillar of West Bengal’s agricultural policies, empowering farmers with stability and dignity.
Overview and Objectives of Krishak Bandhu
Krishak Bandhu, which roughly translates to “Farmer’s Friend,” was launched to alleviate the economic uncertainties that plague farmers due to fluctuating incomes, seasonal dependencies, and risks such as crop failures or accidental deaths. The scheme primarily focuses on two interlinked objectives:
- Financial Assistance for Agricultural Inputs: It provides direct financial aid to farmers to purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, helping them prepare effectively for crop sowing. This assistance reduces dependency on informal or high-interest loans, which often trap farmers in debt cycles.
- Life Insurance Coverage for Farmers: Recognizing that the loss of the primary breadwinner can devastate farming families, the scheme offers life insurance benefits, assuring financial security to the dependents of farmers who pass away prematurely.
This dual approach strengthens both the economic and social facets of farmers’ well-being, ensuring an ongoing income stream alongside a safety net for emergencies.
Components and Benefits
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme consists of two main components:
- Assured Income Component: Under this part, every registered farmer receives financial assistance amounting to ₹10,000 annually for one acre or more of cultivable land owned, disbursed in two installments of ₹5,000 each before the Kharif (summer monsoon) and Rabi (winter) cropping seasons. For farmers owning less than one acre, assistance is provided on a pro-rata basis with a minimum threshold, generally ₹4,000 or ₹2,000 per year depending on land size.
- Death Benefit Component: The scheme provides a one-time life insurance payout of ₹2,00,000 to the family or legal heirs of any registered farmer or sharecropper between the ages of 18 and 60 who dies due to natural or accidental causes. This immediate financial support aims to mitigate the distress faced by families after losing their primary income source.
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Eligibility and Registration Process
To be eligible for Krishak Bandhu benefits, applicants must:
- Be permanent residents of West Bengal.
- Be registered farmers or sharecroppers actively engaged in agricultural activities.
- Possess valid land ownership or sharecropping records as per the Record of Rights (RoR), Patta, or Forest Patta.
- Fall within the age range of 18 to 60 years to qualify for life insurance benefits.
The registration process is designed to be accessible both online and offline, allowing farmers in rural areas to apply conveniently. They must submit application forms along with documents including land ownership proofs, voter ID, Aadhaar card, bank account details, and a recent photograph at the local Gram Panchayat or designated camps. Accepted applications are verified through an official app or system, and farmers receive acknowledgment receipts on the spot.
Impact on Farmers’ Livelihood
Krishak Bandhu has established itself as a crucial social security measure for West Bengal’s farming population by addressing urgent financial needs at two fronts—preparing for crop cycles and protecting farmer families from income shocks due to death. The assured income support helps farmers purchase necessary inputs timely, boosting agricultural productivity and reducing their dependence on informal moneylenders. Simultaneously, the life insurance cover ensures that families left behind after a farmer’s death are financially supported, thus protecting them from falling into poverty.
The scheme’s importance is underscored by the state government’s allocation of significant funds and policy focus. For example, close to ₹89 crore has been disbursed as death benefits to families of deceased farmers, highlighting the scheme’s reach and social impact. Furthermore, farmers registered under Krishak Bandhu are given priority in state-run procurement programs, ensuring further benefits for registered beneficiaries.
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Challenges and Solutions
While the Krishak Bandhu Scheme has been successful in reaching a wide base of farmers, some challenges persist:
- Delays in Application Approval: Verification processes may take time, causing delays in payment. Farmers are encouraged to ensure accurate and complete application submissions and use online tracking tools to monitor status.
- Bank Account and Documentation Issues: Incorrect bank details can lead to payment failures. Updating correct bank information linked with Aadhaar is critical.
- Awareness Gaps: Some farmers remain unaware of the scheme and its benefits. The government and local bodies actively work on awareness campaigns through gram panchayats and agri-offices to promote enrollment.
Conclusion
Krishak Bandhu is more than just a welfare scheme; it is a lifeline that empowers West Bengal’s farmers by providing essential financial resources and social security. By guaranteeing income assistance during critical agricultural periods and offering insurance coverage after a farmer’s death, the scheme enhances economic stability, reduces farmer distress, and improves the overall resilience of the farming community.
Its comprehensive approach, government backing, and periodic enhancements have made Krishak Bandhu a model for farmer-centric welfare programs. For farmers in West Bengal, it symbolizes hope, dignity, and a friend who stands beside them through both sowing seasons and life’s uncertainties.
