RBI increases collateral-free agriculture loans upto Rs. 2 Lakh to help farmers

The RBI has enhanced of agriculture collateral-free loans from Rs 1,60,000 to Rs 2,00,000 to small and marginal farmers from January 1, 2025. This step is designed to relieve farmers of increasing inputs prices by removing collateral and margin assets for loans up to Rs 2 lakh for agricultural and allied operations. Some 86.1 per cent of farmers, mainly small-scale farmers, are projected to benefit from its implementation. The directive also makes it easier to borrow Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and has been accepted to come in line with the government’s Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, where it offers loans at 4 percent effective interest rate. Banks are required to respond to the guidelines effectively and spread the word. Analysts say this recent move as a positive one in terms of financial deepening, increase in farmers’ income, and promotion of agriculture with a consideration of inflation on farming inputs.

Loan Limit Increase: The RBI has increased the maximum limit of collateral-free agriculture loan from 1.6 lakh to 2 lakh from the financial year 1st of January 2025. This is with a view to assisting the small and marginal farmers that are struggling with increasing input prices.

Waiver of Collateral and Margin: Lending activities of banks: The banks are now able to extend collateral and margin free credit facilities up to Rs 2 lakhs for agricultural and allied operations.

Benefits for Small Farmers: By doing so more than 86% of India’s farmers, who are small and marginal farmers with limited holding of land, would benefit out of this change as they would be the one who would find it easier to borrow loans.

Improved Access to Credit: The new measure is like to improve KCC facility and go well with the government’s Modified Interest Subvention Scheme to give loans up to Rs 3 lakh at an effective rate of 4%.

Enhanced Financial Inclusion: This action plan is therefore geared towards enhancing the availability of financial products and services for farmers with a view of enhancing their business therein and therefore their standard of living.

Support for Agricultural Growth: This, according to agricultural specialists, is a significant development in enhancing the credit outreach, protecting input prices from inflation, and developing the agricultural economy.

RBI agriculture initiatives

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

• Priority Sector Lending (PSL)

• Interest Subvention Scheme

• Financial Literacy and Credit Counseling

Other government initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• Bharatmala Pariyojana

• Soil Health Management Scheme

• National Agriculture Market (eNAM)

Conclusion

The RBI's decision to increase the limit of collateral-free agriculture loans is a crucial step towards supporting small farmers, especially in the face of rising input costs. By making credit more accessible and easing the financial burden, this initiative promises to boost agricultural growth and improve farmers' income. With enhanced access to Kisan Credit Cards and alignment with government schemes, this move is expected to significantly contribute to financial inclusion and rural economic development.