Krishak Bandhu Scheme 2025 : Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits

Updated on October 11, 2025

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal to provide direct financial support and social security to farmers. This scheme is aimed at addressing critical issues faced by farmers, including financial stress, a lack of income stability, and the absence of adequate life insurance. By offering monetary assistance and life insurance coverage, the scheme helps ensure economic stability for cultivators and their families.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.

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What is the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a comprehensive welfare program for farmers and sharecroppers in West Bengal. The government scheme is designed to offer both financial assistance and life insurance coverage to reduce the economic burden faced by farmers due to fluctuating agricultural incomes, crop failures, or unforeseen circumstances.

The scheme primarily focuses on two areas:

1. Ensuring farmers have access to funds during critical sowing periods.
2. Protecting their families in the event of an untimely death through insurance coverage.

By providing direct benefit transfers and integrating life insurance benefits, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme addresses the dual challenges of financial insecurity and social vulnerability among the farming community.

Particulars	Details
Scheme Type	Financial Assistance & Death Benefit Scheme for Farmers
Launched By	Government of West Bengal
Latest Version	Krishak Bandhu (Natun) – Relaunched on 17 June 2021
Financial Support (for 1 acre or more)	₹10,000 per year in two installments (Kharif & Rabi)
Financial Support (for less than 1 acre)	Pro-rata amount, minimum ₹4,000 per year
Death Benefit	₹2 lakh for legal heirs of deceased farmers (age 18–60)
Total Beneficiaries (2025)	Around 1.09 crore farmers and sharecroppers
Funds for Kharif 2025	₹2,930 crore planned for disbursement
Total Funds Released (since launch)	₹24,000+ crore distributed
Payment Mode	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers’ bank accounts
Kharif Installment Period	June–July every year
Rabi Installment Period	December–January every year
District Implementation	District-level sanction orders released by local authorities (e.g., Murshidabad 2024–25)
Official Portal	krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in
Who Can Apply	All farmers and sharecroppers registered with State Agriculture Department

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Key Benefits of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

This welfare program offers farmers two significant advantages:

1. Financial Assistance

• Farmers registered under the scheme receive ₹10,000 annually as financial aid.
• The payment is divided into two installments of ₹5,000 each, distributed before the sowing seasons:
  • Kharif Season: Before June.
  • Rabi Season: Before November.
• Sharecroppers are also eligible to receive benefits based on the land they cultivate.

This financial aid ensures that farmers have sufficient funds to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural necessities, reducing dependency on high-interest loans.

2. Life Insurance Coverage

• Farmers aged between 18 and 60 years are automatically enrolled in a life insurance policy under the scheme.
• The insurance coverage provides a ₹2,00,000 payout to the farmer’s family in the event of accidental or natural death.
• This benefit ensures financial stability for the farmer’s dependents during challenging times.

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Latest Update on Krishak Bandhu (Natun) Scheme 2025

The West Bengal government continues to expand its Krishak Bandhu (Natun) scheme to support farmers with regular income and security.

Here’s what’s new and important:

• The government relaunched the improved Krishak Bandhu (Natun) version to give higher financial help to all registered farmers.
• Farmers with 1 acre or more of land now get ₹10,000 every year, split into two payments for Kharif and Rabi seasons.
• Those with less than 1 acre receive money on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum of ₹4,000 per year.
• If a registered farmer between 18 and 60 years passes away, their family receives a ₹2 lakh death benefit.
• For the Kharif 2025 season, the state plans to release ₹2,930 crore to about 1.09 crore farmers and sharecroppers.
• Since launch, the scheme has already distributed over ₹24,000 crore directly to farmer bank accounts.
• Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer, ensuring quick and transparent delivery.
• Farmers can check their registration, status, and payment details on the official portal krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in using their voter card, Aadhaar, or bank account number.
• Kharif payments usually arrive around June or July, and Rabi payments around December or January.
• Each district office also publishes local sanction lists for beneficiaries, especially for the Death Benefit part of the scheme.
• Districts like Murshidabad have already released their 2024–25 sanction orders, showing ongoing implementation.

The Krishak Bandhu scheme is now one of the strongest farmer support programs in West Bengal, helping crores of small and marginal farmers earn a steady income and financial security throughout the year.

Eligibility Criteria for Krishak Bandhu Scheme

To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Residence: The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
2. Farmer Status: The applicant must be a farmer or sharecropper engaged in agricultural activities.
3. Age Limit: Farmers must fall within the age group of 18 to 60 years to qualify for life insurance benefits.
4. Land Ownership Records: The applicant must provide valid documentation to prove land ownership or sharecropping rights.

The scheme is inclusive, covering small, marginal, and sharecropping farmers to ensure that no group is left out.

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How to Apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?

Farmers can apply for the scheme using either online or offline methods, making it accessible for both tech-savvy users and those in rural areas with limited internet access.

Online Application Process

1. Visit the official Krishak Bandhu website: Krishak Bandhu Portal.
2. Click on the “Apply for Krishak Bandhu” option.
3. Complete the registration process by entering your details, including your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and land ownership information.
4. Upload necessary documents, such as proof of identity, land records, and bank account details.
5. Apply online for verification.

Offline Application Process

1. Visit the nearest Block Development Office (BDO) or the local office of the Department of Agriculture.
2. Collect the Krishak Bandhu Scheme application form.
3. Please fill out the form carefully, providing accurate details about yourself and your landholding.
4. Attach copies of the required documents, including Aadhaar, land ownership records, and bank passbook.
5. Please submit the completed form to the designated office.

Once the application is verified, farmers will start receiving financial benefits in their registered bank accounts.

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How to Check Your Application Status?

Applicants can track the status of their application online to ensure it has been processed successfully. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Krishak Bandhu Portal.
2. Click on the “Check Application Status” option.
3. Enter your registration ID or Aadhaar number.
4. Click on “Submit” to view the current status of your application.

This feature ensures transparency and helps applicants resolve any pending issues.

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Documents Required for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

Farmers need to submit the following documents while applying:

1. Aadhaar Card: To verify identity.
2. Land Ownership Documents: Such as a patta, land deed, or tenancy agreement.
3. Proof of Residency: Documents like a voter ID or a ration card to confirm residency in West Bengal.
4. Bank Details: Including a copy of the bank passbook for direct benefit transfers.
5. Age Proof: Such as a birth certificate or Aadhaar to confirm eligibility for life insurance.

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Life Insurance Details Under the Scheme

One of the most beneficial features of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme is its life insurance component.

• Farmers are covered under a group insurance policy for ₹2,00,000.
• The insurance applies to natural or accidental deaths that occur within the farmer’s working age (18–60 years).
• To claim the insurance, the farmer’s family must submit:
  1. Death certificate.
  2. Aadhaar copy of the deceased.
  3. Proof of bank account ownership for receiving the claim amount.

This insurance ensures the farmer’s dependents are not left in financial distress due to unforeseen events.

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Benefits of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme addresses several challenges faced by farmers, such as:

1. Financial Stability:
   The timely distribution of funds reduces dependency on loans and ensures farmers can prepare for the sowing seasons without financial stress.
2. Family Security:
   The life insurance feature provides critical financial support to the farmer’s family in case of their death.
3. Inclusive Coverage:
   Both landowners and sharecroppers are included, ensuring a wider reach among the farming community.
4. Ease of Access
   The dual-mode (online and offline) application system ensures farmers in rural areas can also avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits.

Land	Amount	Installment
1 Decimal or 0.01 Acre To 40 Decimal or 0.40 Acre	₹4,000/-	₹2,000/-
41 Decimal or 0.41 Acre To 99 Decimal or 0.99 Acre	₹4,400/-	₹2,200/-
100 Decimal or 1 Acre To 200 Decimal or 2 Acre	₹10,000/-	₹5,000/-
1 Decimal or 0.01 Acre To40 Decimal or, 0.40 Acre	₹10,000/-	₹5,000/-

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Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Delayed Application Approvals

• Double-check documents and application details before submission to avoid rejections.
• Use the online portal to track your status and contact local authorities if delays persist.

Challenge 2: Incorrect Bank Details

• Ensure that bank account information is accurate and linked with your Aadhaar during the application process.

Challenge 3: Lack of Awareness

• Spread awareness through local gram panchayats and agricultural offices to ensure all eligible farmers can benefit from the scheme.

Is Krishak Bandhu Available in Other States?

No. The Krishak Bandhu (Natun) scheme is exclusive to West Bengal. It is a state-run welfare program launched and funded by the Government of West Bengal.

However, many other Indian states have introduced similar farmer income support schemes inspired by the same idea — to give direct financial help to farmers and reduce their dependency on middlemen or loans.

Here’s a quick comparison:

State	Scheme Name	Main Benefit	Remarks
West Bengal	Krishak Bandhu (Natun)	₹10,000 per year + ₹2 lakh death benefit	State-exclusive
Telangana	Rythu Bandhu	₹10,000 per acre per year (₹5,000 each season)	First state to start such direct cash support
Odisha	KALIA Scheme	₹10,000 per family per year + insurance & interest-free loans	Includes small, marginal & landless farmers
Andhra Pradesh	YSR Rythu Bharosa	₹13,500 per year per farmer	State adds to PM-Kisan funds
Jharkhand	Krishak Bandhu Yojana (Jharkhand)	₹5,000 per acre per year	Similar name but separate scheme
Bihar	Rajya Krishi Ashirwad Yojana	₹6,000 per year (linked with PM-Kisan)	Focused on small & marginal farmers
All India (Central)	PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi	₹6,000 per year (₹2,000 every 4 months)	Central government scheme for all states

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So while Krishak Bandhu is unique to West Bengal, almost every major farming state has its own local version of farmer support.

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FAQ for Krishak Bandhu Scheme:

1. Who is eligible to get the benefit of the scheme?
   Ans: Any farmer having ROR in his name or recorded [in the RoR] Bhagchasi (sharecropper).
2. Which documents are required for the application?
   Ans.: Voter ID, RoR, Bank pass book 1st page/Cancelled Cheque (Originals for verifications) & one
   photocopy) and a recent passport-size photograph.
3. Will farmers get any acknowledgement after submission of the application?
   Ans. Yes, they will get the acknowledgement slip.
4. How much is the extent of assistance?
   Ans. Maximum of Rs. 5000/- and a minimum of Rs. 2000/- per year (paid in two installments of 50% of the approved assistance).
5. What will be the mode of payment?
   Ans. Through DBT in the bank account of the beneficiary.
6. Will the farmers get assistance in filling out the application form?
   Ans. Yes, Bengali (vernacular) forms will be available at the camp, which can be filled up with the help of the government-designated persons.

Final Thoughts

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a game-changer for farmers in West Bengal, offering direct financial assistance and life insurance coverage to improve their livelihoods. By addressing financial and social insecurities, the scheme empowers farmers to focus on their agricultural activities without undue stress.

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