Krishak Bandhu Scheme

Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a farmer welfare scheme of West Bengal government that gives direct income support to small and marginal farmers and also provides a one-time death or disability benefit to their families. Eligible farmers receive ₹10,000 per acre each year, paid in two equal installments before the Kharif and Rabi seasons.

The scheme is open for new registrations through the official portal krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in. Farmers and recorded sharecroppers (bargadars) of the state can apply online or through Duare Sarkar camps and local agriculture offices.

Krishak Bandhu Scheme - Introduction

Krishak Bandhu Scheme was launched in January 2019 by the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, and expanded in June 2021 under the name Krishak Bandhu (Natun) with wider coverage and a simpler registration process. The scheme puts money in farmers' hands before the two main cropping seasons begin, so they do not have to go into debt for seeds, fertilizer, or diesel.

It has two parts that work on their own. The assured income component gives registered farmers seasonal financial support twice a year. The death benefit component gives a one-time payout of ₹2,00,000 to the family if a registered farmer between 18 and 60 years dies for any reason, including natural death.

Key Information

Benefits

Direct Income Support

If you own one acre or more of cultivable land, you receive ₹10,000 per year, paid in two installments of ₹5,000 each during the Kharif and Rabi seasons. For those with less than one acre, the support is calculated on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum guaranteed payment of ₹1,000 per installment, also split into two installments.

Death and Disability Benefits

In the event of a farmer's death between the ages of 18 and 60, the legal heirs receive a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000. Similarly, if a farmer suffers permanent disability due to an accident, they are eligible for a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000. There is no premium to pay for this cover; it comes bundled into the scheme.

Disbursement Policy

The government credits all benefits directly to your registered bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Make sure your land records are current and your legal heir certificates are ready for easy processing.

Eligibility

For Income Support

To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of West Bengal, be a farmer or a recorded bargadar (sharecropper) cultivating land in the state, and have valid land records in your name. There is no upper age limit for the assured income part.

For Death or Disability Benefit

The deceased or disabled farmer must have been between 18 and 60 years old. The claimant needs to be the legal heir or nominated family member of the registered farmer.

Application Process

You can register for Krishak Bandhu Scheme online or offline, and both routes lead to the same database.

Online Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in and look for the registration or sign-in option on the homepage.

STEP 2 - Fill in your personal details, Voter ID and Aadhaar numbers, land information, and bank account details.

STEP 3 - Upload scanned copies of the required documents.

STEP 4 - Submit the form and note down the ID number you receive, as you will need it for every future status check.

Offline Process

STEP 1 - Collect the Krishak Bandhu application form from your nearest Duare Sarkar camp or the local Block Development Office (agriculture desk).

STEP 2 - Fill it out, attach the required documents, and submit it at the same counter.

STEP 3 - Ask for an acknowledgment slip with your reference number. Offline applications take a little longer to show up online, so give it a few weeks before checking status.

Help and Support

For inquiries, you can call 8336957370 or 6291720406 between 10 AM and 6 PM, or email your concerns to krishak.bandhu@ingreens.in.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before you start the application:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card (EPIC)
• Land ownership documents such as Khatian, Patta, Porcha, or Bargadar certificate
• First page of bank passbook or a cancelled cheque, with the account linked to Aadhaar for DBT
• Mobile number registered against Aadhaar and bank account
• Recent passport-sized photograph

For death benefit claims, you also need the farmer's death certificate, identification documents, Record of Rights in their name, and an eligibility certificate from the Block Development Officer confirming the claimant's relationship to the deceased.

References

Krishak Bandhu Official Portal

Krishak Bandhu Registration Portal

FAQ's

What are the eligibility criteria for receiving direct income support?

You must be a permanent resident of West Bengal, be a farmer or recorded sharecropper, and have valid land records in your name.

How much financial assistance is provided per acre?

You receive ₹10,000 per acre per year, paid in two installments of ₹5,000 each, capped at 2 acres.

Is there a landholding limit?

Yes, only farmers owning up to 2 acres of cultivable land can avail of the income support.

How is the payment disbursed?

The government transfers the amount in two equal installments during the Kharif and Rabi seasons directly to your bank account.

What amount is provided as death benefit?

The family of the deceased farmer receives a lump sum of ₹2,00,000.

Who qualifies to claim the death benefit?

The deceased must have been between 18 and 60 years old at the time of death, and the claimant must be their legal heir.

What is the benefit for permanent disability?

Farmers who sustain permanent disability due to accidents receive a one-time payment of ₹2,00,000.

Are there specific age limits for these benefits?

Yes, the death and disability benefits cover individuals between 18 and 60 years of age.

Which documents are essential for income support?

You need your Aadhaar card, bank details, and proof of land ownership.

How do I verify land ownership?

You can use your Record of Rights (RoR) or Pattadar Passbook as valid proof.

What documents are needed to claim death benefits?

You must submit the death certificate, legal heir certificate, and the farmer's Aadhaar and land records.

Is a disability certificate mandatory?

Yes, you must submit a valid disability certificate to process the claim.

Where can I apply online?

You can apply through the official registration portal at krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in/users/sign_up.

Is there a support helpline?

Yes, you can contact 8336957370 or 6291720406 for assistance between 10 AM and 6 PM.

Where can I check my application status?

You can track it on the official website at krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in.