RBI Releases Draft Revised Guidelines For Kisan Credit Card Scheme, Seeks Public Feedback

New Delhi, Feb 12 (KNN) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft revised guidelines for the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.

The proposal follows the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated February 6, 2026, which indicated that guidelines would be consolidated and updated to expand coverage, streamline operations and address emerging requirements.

Key Proposed Changes
The draft guidelines propose significant changes to the KCC framework, including standardising crop seasons to ensure uniform loan sanction and repayment schedules, with a 12-month cycle for short-duration crops and an 18-month cycle for long-duration crops.

The overall KCC tenure has been extended to six years to better align with crop cycles, particularly for longer-duration crops. Drawing limits will now be linked to the scale of finance for each crop season to reflect actual cultivation costs.

Additionally, expenses related to technological interventions—such as soil testing, real-time weather forecasting, and organic or good agricultural practices certification—have been made eligible within the existing 20 per cent additional provision for repairs and maintenance of farm assets.

Public Consultation
The draft Directions cover Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Rural Co-operative Banks.

The RBI has invited comments and feedback on the draft Master Directions fr0m regulated entities, stakeholders and members of the public. Submissions can be made until March 6, 2026.

(KNN Bureau)