Journal of Management Information and Decision Sciences Volume 24, Special Issue 1, 2021 1 1532-5806-24-S1-186 Citation Information: Gaikar, V.B., Bhadane, J., Joshi, B.M., Ephrem, H.R., & Berhane, A.T. (2021). Agricultural credit in India: With reference to Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Journal of Management Information and Decision Sciences, 24(S1), 1-9. AGRICULTURAL CREDIT IN INDIA: WITH REFERENCE TO KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC) Gaikar Vilas B, Smt. CHM. College, University of Mumbai Bhadane Jaywant, KRA College, Savitribai Phule Pune University Joshi Bharat M., K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce Ephrem Habtemichael Redda, North-West University Berhane Aradom Tedla, Department of Educational Administration ABSTRACT For agricultural productivity, credit is a necessary input. India's economy is based mostly on agriculture. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) seeks to offer farmers with timely and appropriate funds in a flexible and cost-effective manner. The inauguration of the Kisan Finance Card Scheme is a watershed moment in Indian agricultural credit history. Kisan Credit Card (KCC), which was first introduced in 1998-99, allows farmers to purchase agriculture supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, and insecticides as well as withdraw cash to meet their production- related needs. The Kisan Loans Card Scheme was designed to make it easier for borrowers to obtain short-term credit from formal financial institutions. Secondary data was collected and evaluated in this research project to examine the growth and variations of the Kisan Credit Card in terms of number and amount sanctioned from 2017 to 2021. The data was analyzed, and a conclusion was reached. Keywords: Kisan Credit Card, Growth, Variations, Agricultural inputs, Credit, NABARD INTRODUCTION The Kisan Credit Card is a credit card programme launched by Indian banks in August 1998. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) developed this model scheme to supply term loans for agricultural needs based on the suggestions of the R.V. Gupta Committee. Its goal is to provide financial assistance to farmers in order to address the agricultural sector's comprehensive credit needs. All commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks, and state cooperative banks are among the participants. Short-term credit limitations for crops are in place, as are term loans. Personal accident insurance covers KCC credit card members up to Rs. 50,000 for death and permanent disability, and up to Rs. 25,000 for other risks. The premium is split evenly between the bank and the borrower. The validity period is five years, with the option of an additional three-year extension. Kisan Credit Card provides cash and term credit to farmers for a variety of linked operations such as pump sets, land expansion, planting, and drip irrigation. Soil Wellbeing Card programming has been institutionalized and online programming built for eight states under the e-Government Program to provide coordinated supplement administration suggestions based on soil test edit reaction approach. Ranchers receive data through a variety of channels, including Common Service Centers, Internet Kiosks, and SMS, as part of the National e-Governance Plan for Agriculture. Currently, 12 distinct administrations provide data on climate; soil wellbeing; seeds, supplements, bugs; water system; crops, great horticultural practices, cultivate hardware;