Farming is the heart of India. Farmers work hard every day to grow the food we eat. To help and support them, the Government of West Bengal started a special scheme called Krishak Bandhu. This scheme is made to support farmers financially and give them help when they need it the most.
In this article, we’ll take a simple and clear look at what Krishak Bandhu is, who can get the benefits, how to apply, and why it’s so important for farmers in West Bengal.
What is Krishak Bandhu?
Krishak Bandhu is a farmer welfare scheme started by the Government of West Bengal. It was launched in January 2019 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The main goal of the Krishak Bandhu scheme is to give financial help to farmers and their families, especially during times of difficulty, crop seasons, or loss of life.
Simple Breakdown of Krishak Bandhu
Here’s what the scheme offers:
- Financial help for farmers during the farming season.
- Life insurance coverage in case the farmer dies.
- A better support system for farmers and their families.
Main Benefits of Krishak Bandhu
Let’s look at the two main parts of this scheme:
Krishak Bandhu Assistance
This benefit provides direct financial help to the farmers twice a year for crop production.
- Farmers with 1 acre or more land get ₹10,000 per year in two parts – ₹5,000 for Kharif season and ₹5,000 for Rabi season.
- Farmers with less than 1 acre of land get a minimum of ₹4,000 per year, divided into two parts of ₹2,000 each.
This money is sent directly to the farmer’s bank account.
Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit
This is a life insurance benefit. If a farmer who is registered under the scheme dies (due to any reason), the family of the farmer will get ₹2 lakh as a one-time payment.
It helps the farmer’s family deal with financial troubles after the farmer’s death.
Who Can Get Krishak Bandhu Benefits?
To get the benefits of Krishak Bandhu, the person must:
- Be a resident of West Bengal.
- Be a farmer or a recorded sharecropper.
- Be aged between 18 and 60 years.
- Have land in their name (or be officially recorded as a sharecropper).
The farmer also needs to be registered under the Krishak Bandhu scheme.
How to Apply for Krishak Bandhu
Applying for the Krishak Bandhu scheme is simple and can be done online or through your local government office.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit the official Krishak Bandhu website.
- Click on “Krishak Bandhu Login” or “New Registration”.
- Fill in the required details:
- Name
- Address
- Land details
- Aadhaar number
- Bank account details
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the form.
After verification, you will be added to the list of beneficiaries.
Documents Needed for Registration
To register, you will need:
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Proof of land ownership or sharecropping
- Bank passbook copy
- Passport size photo
- Age proof (like birth certificate or school certificate)
How to Claim the Death Benefit?
In case of the farmer’s death, the family (usually the nominee or legal heir) must submit the following documents:
- Death certificate of the farmer
- Krishak Bandhu registration details
- Aadhaar card of the deceased
- Identity proof of the claimant
- Bank account details of the nominee
- Relationship proof with the deceased farmer
Once submitted and approved, the ₹2 lakh benefit will be transferred to the nominee’s bank account.
Key Features of Krishak Bandhu
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
All the benefits under this scheme are sent directly to the farmer’s bank account. This avoids any middlemen or delays.
Coverage for Small and Marginal Farmers
Even farmers with less than 1 acre of land get support. This helps poor and small farmers who are often left out of big schemes.
Quick Death Claim Settlement
The death benefit is processed within 30 days after submitting all documents.
Why is Krishak Bandhu Important?
This scheme is more than just money. It brings security, support, and hope to thousands of farmers.
Financial Help During Crop Seasons
Farming is full of risks – weather, pests, low prices. The financial aid helps farmers buy seeds, fertilizers, and manage expenses.
Support to Farmer Families After Death
When a farmer passes away, the family is often left in crisis. The ₹2 lakh benefit helps the family survive and move forward.
Boosts Farmer Confidence
Knowing that the government stands by them gives farmers peace of mind and strength to continue farming.
How is Krishak Bandhu Different from Other Schemes?
Let’s compare it with a few other schemes:
| Scheme Name | Benefit Type | Coverage | Unique Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krishak Bandhu | Financial + Insurance | West Bengal only | ₹10,000/year + ₹2 lakh on death |
| PM-Kisan (Central) | Financial only | All India | ₹6,000/year in 3 parts |
| PMFBY | Crop insurance | All India | Covers crop loss only |
Krishak Bandhu offers more benefits for farmers in West Bengal, including a higher payout and life insurance, which sets it apart from others.
What Farmers Are Saying
Many farmers in West Bengal have shared positive feedback about the scheme:
“The ₹5,000 during the season really helps me buy seeds and fertilizers without taking loans.” – Raju Barman, farmer from Bardhaman.
“When my husband passed away, Krishak Bandhu support helped us manage school fees and house costs.” – Sita Das, widow of a farmer in Nadia.
Latest Updates and News
The West Bengal government keeps updating the scheme to make it better:
- More landowners are being added.
- Digital monitoring is being used to avoid fake claims.
- Death benefits are being given out more quickly.
Stay tuned to local panchayat offices or agricultural departments for the latest information.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is Krishak Bandhu only for landowners?
No, sharecroppers who are officially recorded can also apply.
Can a farmer get both Krishak Bandhu and PM-Kisan benefits?
Yes, if the farmer meets the eligibility of both schemes.
Is there any fee for applying?
No. Applying to Krishak Bandhu is completely free.
How often is the money given?
Twice a year – once for Kharif and once for Rabi seasons.
What if my application is rejected?
You can visit your local agriculture office or panchayat for help. You can also re-apply with correct documents.
Final Thoughts
The Krishak Bandhu scheme is a big step towards supporting farmers in West Bengal. With financial aid during crop seasons and life insurance benefits for families, it truly works as a “friend of the farmer.”
If you or someone in your family is a farmer in West Bengal, make sure to register under this scheme and get the help that is meant for you.