Krishak Bandhu Scheme: A Lifeline for Farmers in West Bengal

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is one of the most impactful welfare initiatives launched by the Government of West Bengal for the state’s farming community. Introduced in 2019, the scheme aims to provide financial assistance and social security to farmers and their families. With a focus on both income support and life insurance, it has become a crucial safety net for lakhs of cultivators across the state.

Let’s dive into the details of what the Krishak Bandhu Scheme offers, who is eligible, and how farmers can benefit from it.

What Is the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a farmer-centric program launched by the West Bengal government to offer direct financial support and insurance coverage to registered farmers. The scheme comes in two main components:

1. Krishak Bandhu Assistance: A financial aid given to farmers in two installments every year.

2. Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit: A life insurance component that offers a lump sum amount to the family of a deceased farmer.

This dual benefit approach addresses both the immediate financial needs of farmers during the crop season and provides a security cushion for their families in case of untimely death.

Key Features of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme

1. Financial Support

• Farmers receive ₹10,000 per year for agricultural purposes.

• The amount is distributed in two equal installments of ₹5,000, one for the Kharif season and the other for the Rabi season.

• For marginal farmers owning less than one acre of land, the amount is given on a pro-rata basis.

2. Death Benefit

• In the unfortunate event of a farmer’s death (between 18 and 60 years of age), the nominee is eligible to receive ₹2 lakh as insurance compensation.

• This benefit applies whether the death is due to natural causes or an accident.

3. Direct Transfer

• All benefits under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme are directly transferred to the bank account of the beneficiary, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme:

• The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal.

• He or she should be a registered farmer or recorded landholder.

• For the death benefit, the farmer should be aged between 18 and 60 years at the time of death.

• Sharecroppers and tenant farmers can also be eligible, provided they are officially registered.

How to Apply?

For Financial Assistance:

1. Visit the official Krishak Bandhu portal.

2. Register with your Voter ID, Aadhaar number, and land details.

3. Submit bank account details for direct benefit transfer.

For Death Benefit Claim:

1. The family of the deceased farmer must fill out the death benefit claim form.

2. Provide necessary documents like death certificate, proof of relationship, and land ownership records.

3. Submit the form at the nearest Block Development Office (BDO) or through the official website.

Impact of the Scheme

Since its launch, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme has reached millions of farmers across West Bengal. The direct income support has helped farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials without falling into debt. More importantly, the death benefit has offered a safety net to thousands of families who lost their sole earning member.

In times when many farming households face financial uncertainty, such a scheme builds confidence and provides much-needed relief.

Challenges and Improvements

While the Krishak Bandhu Scheme has been widely praised, some challenges remain:

• Awareness: Not all farmers are aware of how to register or claim benefits.

• Documentation issues: Land records and ID proof must be accurate, or applications can get delayed.

• Technical barriers: Some farmers, especially in remote areas, struggle with online registration.

To overcome these, the state government has been organizing awareness camps and simplifying the application process.

Final Thoughts

The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a game-changer for West Bengal’s agricultural sector. By offering both seasonal financial aid and life insurance, it reflects a holistic approach to farmer welfare. For farmers and their families, this scheme is not just a government benefit-it’s a lifeline.

If you are a farmer in West Bengal or know someone who is, make sure they are enrolled in this scheme and take full advantage of the support it offers.