Farmers often need money before a crop begins generating income. Seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation, machinery and labour can create significant expenses at the beginning of a cultivation season. For farmers with limited financial resources, even routine agricultural expenses can become difficult to manage.
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme, officially known in its revised form as Krishak Bandhu (Natun), is an important farmer-support initiative of the Government of West Bengal. The scheme provides eligible farmers with financial assistance for cultivation while also offering social security to farming families through a separate death-benefit component.
Under the current scheme, farmers with 1 acre or more of cultivable land can receive ₹10,000 per year. Farmers possessing less than one acre receive assistance on a proportionate basis, with the annual benefit subject to a minimum of ₹4,000.
The scheme also provides a one-time death benefit of ₹2 lakh to the family of an eligible farmer in the event of the farmer’s death between the ages of 18 and 60 years.
Here is a detailed guide to the Krishak Bandhu Scheme 2026, including benefits, eligibility, documents, registration, payment, status checking and other important information farmers should know.
What Is the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Krishak Bandhu is a farmer welfare programme of the Government of West Bengal.
The scheme was originally introduced by the state’s Department of Agriculture in January 2019. It was subsequently recast as Krishak Bandhu (Natun), with the revised scheme launched on 17 June 2021.
The programme has two important objectives:
- To provide farmers with regular financial assistance for agricultural activities.
- To provide financial security to farm families following the untimely death of an eligible farmer.
This makes Krishak Bandhu different from a conventional crop insurance scheme. The regular financial assistance is intended to help farmers meet agricultural expenses, while the death-benefit component provides social security to eligible families.
Krishak Bandhu Scheme Benefits
The biggest attraction of the scheme is direct financial assistance for agricultural activities.
₹10,000 Annual Assistance
Farmers possessing 1 acre or more of cultivable land are entitled to financial assistance of ₹10,000 per year under Krishak Bandhu (Natun).
The amount is intended to support agricultural expenditure, including the purchase of farming inputs and other cultivation-related requirements.
Minimum ₹4,000 for Smaller Landholdings
Farmers with less than one acre of cultivable land are not automatically excluded.
They receive financial assistance on a pro-rata basis, subject to a minimum annual assistance of ₹4,000.
This provision makes the programme particularly relevant to small farmers who may not own a full acre of cultivable land.
Payment in Two Instalments
The annual financial assistance is distributed in two equal instalments, linked with the two major agricultural seasons:
- Kharif season: April to September
- Rabi season: October to March
This structure is designed to make financial support available around important cultivation periods.
Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit
Another major feature is the Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit.
In the event of the death of an eligible farmer between 18 and 60 years of age, the Government of West Bengal provides a one-time financial grant of ₹2 lakh to the eligible family/claimant.
The purpose of this benefit is to provide immediate social security to the farming household following the death of a farmer.
According to the official West Bengal Agriculture Department, the death benefit applies irrespective of the cause of death, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
This benefit should not be confused with the regular annual cultivation assistance. They are separate components designed to address different financial risks faced by farming households.
Krishak Bandhu Scheme at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Krishak Bandhu (Natun) |
| State | West Bengal |
| Department | Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal |
| Target Beneficiaries | Eligible farmers of West Bengal |
| Maximum Cultivation Assistance | ₹10,000 per year |
| Minimum Assistance | ₹4,000 per year |
| Payment Frequency | Two instalments |
| Main Seasons | Kharif and Rabi |
| Death Benefit | ₹2 lakh one-time assistance |
| Death Benefit Age Condition | Farmer aged 18–60 years |
| Official Portal | Krishak Bandhu Portal |
Who Is Eligible for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Eligibility is one of the most important points to check before attempting registration.
The scheme is intended for eligible farmers in West Bengal with qualifying cultivable land or recognised cultivation rights.
Official scheme documentation has included farmers with cultivable land supported by records such as RoR, Patta or Forest Patta, as well as eligible recorded sharecroppers/Bhagchasi.
Because documentation and verification requirements can be updated, applicants should check the current requirements through the official Krishak Bandhu portal or the local Agriculture Department office before submitting an application.
Landholding and Benefit Amount
The amount of regular financial assistance depends on cultivable landholding.
A farmer possessing one acre or more can receive ₹10,000 annually.
For a farmer possessing less than one acre, the amount is calculated proportionately, but the scheme provides for a minimum annual assistance of ₹4,000.
Therefore, having less than one acre does not necessarily prevent an eligible farmer from receiving support.
Documents Required for Krishak Bandhu Registration
Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the registration process.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and current verification requirements, commonly required records may include:
- Land record/RoR
- Patta or Forest Patta, where applicable
- Records relating to recognised sharecropping status, where applicable
- Valid voter ID
- Aadhaar details, where required/applicable
- Bank account details
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Active mobile number
Applicants should provide only accurate and valid information.
The name on the bank account and identity documents should be checked carefully. Incorrect account information can potentially cause problems with Direct Benefit Transfer.
How to Apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme
Farmers should rely on official West Bengal government channels for registration rather than unknown websites or individuals promising guaranteed approval.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, determine whether you satisfy the scheme’s current eligibility conditions.
Check your cultivable land records and other documents before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Keep the original documents and photocopies required for verification ready.
Ensure that important information such as your name, bank account details and land information is correct.
Step 3: Contact the Agriculture Department
According to the official Krishak Bandhu portal, farmers can contact the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture of their block for registration and other information.
Registration facilities may also be provided through government camps or other officially notified channels.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Fill in the prescribed application form carefully.
Provide accurate information regarding the farmer, cultivable land, bank account and other requested details.
Step 5: Submit Documents for Verification
Submit the prescribed supporting documents.
Original documents may be required for verification, depending on the registration channel.
Step 6: Keep the Acknowledgement
After submitting an application, retain any acknowledgement or registration information provided.
This can be useful for checking your application or beneficiary status later.
How to Check Krishak Bandhu Status Online
Registered farmers can use the official Krishak Bandhu portal for scheme-related services and information.
When checking your status, make sure you are visiting the genuine government website.
External link: Krishak Bandhu Official Portal – krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in
Avoid websites that imitate government portals or request unnecessary payments for checking beneficiary information.
If there is a problem with your registration or beneficiary information, contact the official helpline or Agriculture Department rather than repeatedly submitting applications.
Krishak Bandhu Payment and DBT
Government assistance under the scheme is transferred to eligible beneficiaries through the applicable payment mechanism, making accurate banking information extremely important.
Farmers should ensure that:
- Their bank account is active.
- The account information provided during registration is correct.
- The beneficiary’s name matches relevant records.
- Required KYC formalities have been completed.
- Their registered mobile number remains accessible.
If an expected payment has not arrived, farmers should first verify their beneficiary status and bank details rather than assuming that the scheme has stopped.
Payment timing can depend on verification, approval and the applicable instalment cycle.
How to Apply for Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit
The death-benefit application is different from regular cultivation assistance.
When an eligible farmer dies, the eligible claimant or legal heir must follow the prescribed claim process.
Documents can include the deceased farmer’s identity document, death certificate, relevant land/RoR information, claimant documentation and other declarations or certificates prescribed by the authorities.
Official procedures have provided for verification of the eligible claimant through the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO).
After scrutiny and approval, the sanctioned benefit is transferred to the eligible claimant’s bank account.
Families should contact the local Agriculture Department or relevant government authority for the latest death-benefit application form and documentation requirements.
Krishak Bandhu Helpline
Farmers facing problems with registration or scheme information can contact the official support channel.
The dedicated Krishak Bandhu portal currently lists the direct helpline:
033-23570021
The listed helpline timing is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
External link: Krishak Bandhu Official Website – krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in
Farmers should use official contact details rather than phone numbers circulated through unverified WhatsApp messages, social-media posts or unofficial websites.
Krishak Bandhu and myScheme Portal
The myScheme portal is a Government of India national platform designed to help citizens discover Central and State/UT government schemes.
Users can search for schemes and review information about eligibility, benefits, required documents and application procedures.
For the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, myScheme can be useful as a discovery and information platform.
It is important to understand that myScheme does not necessarily process the scheme application itself. The platform currently directs users to the relevant scheme or department’s application channel where appropriate.
External link: myScheme – myscheme.gov.in
Internal link: How to Find Government Schemes on myScheme
Why Is Krishak Bandhu Important for Farmers?
Agricultural expenditure begins long before crops generate income.
Farmers have to arrange seeds, fertilisers, crop protection products, irrigation, equipment and labour. Smaller farmers can find these upfront costs particularly challenging.
Regular financial assistance can therefore provide useful support during the cultivation cycle.
Krishak Bandhu also addresses a second problem—the financial vulnerability of a farming family after the death of an earning farmer.
The combination of cultivation assistance and a death benefit gives the scheme both an agricultural support and social security role.
How Many Farmers Benefit from Krishak Bandhu?
The scheme operates on a substantial scale.
The West Bengal Agriculture Department currently reports that approximately 1.10 crore farmers benefit from Krishak Bandhu (Natun), and that total financial assistance of approximately ₹30,049 crore has been disbursed since inception.
These figures demonstrate the scale at which the programme operates across West Bengal.
Common Reasons to Check an Application Carefully
Farmers should pay attention to their application details because problems with records can delay verification or payment.
Before submitting an application, check:
- Name spelling
- Landholding information
- Bank account number
- IFSC details
- Mobile number
- Identity documents
- Land records
- Applicant eligibility
Never intentionally provide incorrect landholding or identity information to obtain a higher benefit.
Beware of Fake Krishak Bandhu Websites
Popular government schemes can attract fraudulent websites and misleading social-media messages.
Farmers should be cautious if someone promises immediate approval in exchange for a fee or asks for sensitive banking credentials.
Never share:
- ATM PIN
- Internet banking password
- UPI PIN
- OTP
- Debit-card PIN
Government officials or legitimate support channels should not need your UPI PIN or banking password to credit a scheme benefit.
For official scheme information, use the West Bengal government’s Krishak Bandhu portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Krishak Bandhu Scheme
What is Krishak Bandhu (Natun)?
Krishak Bandhu (Natun) is a Government of West Bengal farmer-support scheme that provides financial assistance for agricultural activities and social security through a death-benefit component.
How much money is available under Krishak Bandhu?
Eligible farmers with one acre or more of cultivable land can receive ₹10,000 per year. Farmers with less than one acre receive assistance on a pro-rata basis, subject to a minimum of ₹4,000 per year.
How many instalments are provided?
The annual cultivation assistance is paid in two equal instalments associated with the Kharif and Rabi agricultural seasons.
What is the Krishak Bandhu death benefit?
The eligible family/claimant of a farmer who dies between the ages of 18 and 60 can receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹2 lakh, subject to scheme conditions.
Is Krishak Bandhu available throughout India?
No. Krishak Bandhu is a Government of West Bengal scheme intended for eligible farmers in West Bengal.
Can farmers with less than one acre apply?
Eligible farmers possessing less than one acre of cultivable land can receive proportionate assistance, subject to the scheme’s minimum annual assistance of ₹4,000.
What is the official Krishak Bandhu website?
The dedicated official portal is krishakbandhu.wb.gov.in.
What is the Krishak Bandhu helpline number?
The official portal currently lists 033-23570021, with helpline hours from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Conclusion
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme 2026 remains an important financial-support programme for farmers in West Bengal. Through Krishak Bandhu (Natun), eligible farmers with one acre or more of cultivable land can receive ₹10,000 annually, while farmers with smaller holdings receive proportionate support subject to a minimum of ₹4,000 per year.
Its ₹2 lakh death-benefit component adds an important layer of financial security for eligible farming families.
Farmers interested in the scheme should verify their land and identity records, maintain accurate bank details and use official government channels for registration and status information.
For the latest eligibility conditions, forms, notifications and payment-related information, applicants should always consult the official Krishak Bandhu portal or the West Bengal Department of Agriculture before applying.