The West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme is one of the Government of West Bengal’s flagship farmer welfare schemes. The scheme provides annual financial assistance to eligible farmers for agricultural activities and also offers a financial security cover of Rs. 2,00,000 to the family of a registered farmer in the event of an untimely death. Read on to learn about eligibility, benefits, the application process, Krishak Bandhu Status Check, the Farmer Search facility, and other important details.
West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme (Krishak Bandhu Prakalpa) |
| Launch Date | 1 January 2019 |
| Implementing Department | Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal |
| Objective | Provide income support and social security to farmers |
| Financial Assistance | Up to Rs. 10,000 per year for eligible farmers |
| Death Benefit | Rs. 2,00,000 to the nominee of a registered farmer |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Eligible farmers having cultivable agricultural land in West Bengal |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Status Check Facility | Available through Krishak Bandhu Farmer Search |
| How to Apply | Through the Krishak Bandhu Application Form |
| Official Portal | Krishak Bandhu Official Portal |
Introduction of West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme: A Brief Insight
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for millions of families across West Bengal. However, farmers often face uncertain weather, natural disasters, pest attacks and changing market conditions. These challenges can affect crop production, increase cultivation costs and make farm income unpredictable.
To provide financial assistance to cultivators and offer social security to their families, the Government of West Bengal launched the Krishak Bandhu Scheme on 1 January 2019. The scheme was implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal. The State Cabinet later approved Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana as the new name for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme.
The word “Krishak” means farmer. Through this scheme, the State Government aimed to support farmers during agricultural seasons and provide financial protection to their families in the event of an untimely death.
The West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme had two major components: the Krishak Bandhu Assured Income Scheme and the Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit Scheme. The first component provided eligible farmers with financial assistance for agricultural activities, while the second supported the family of a registered farmer after their death.
Under the income support component, farmers with one acre or more of cultivable agricultural land received ₹10,000 per year. Those with less than one acre of cultivable land received a minimum annual assistance of ₹4,000. The Government transferred the amount directly to the beneficiary’s bank account in two instalments during the Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons.
Farmers could use this assistance to cover essential cultivation expenses, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation inputs. It also helped them reduce their dependence on private borrowing to meet seasonal farming costs.
The scheme also provided social security to registered farmers and their families. If a registered beneficiary farmer died, the eligible nominee or family member received a one-time financial assistance of ₹2,00,000 under the Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit Scheme.
Farmers who owned cultivable agricultural land and met the prescribed eligibility conditions could apply through the offline application process. The Government also introduced online facilities through the official portal, including Krishak Bandhu Farmer Search and beneficiary verification services. These facilities helped farmers look up their registration details and check their beneficiary status.
The Krishak Bandhu official website also became an important source for farmers looking for their Krishak Bandhu ID, registration details and status updates. Farmers searching for a Krishak Bandhu status check, including status information through a registered mobile number or voter ID, should use the details and verification options supported by the official portal. The availability of these services may depend on the portal’s current facilities.
Eligible farmers may also receive benefits under Central Government initiatives such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides direct income support to eligible farming families, and the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which offers crop insurance against specified agricultural risks.
Women from eligible households can also explore welfare programmes such as the Annapurna Yojana and other State Government initiatives aimed at improving household food security and financial stability.
Farmers searching for Krishak Bandhu registration, application details, beneficiary information, Krishak Bandhu ID status check and payment updates can explore our complete collection of West Bengal Government Welfare Schemes. This will also help them find information about the updated Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and other agriculture-related welfare programmes.
Latest Updates on West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme
The West Bengal Government has approved a new name, Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme. The programme’s financial assistance and beneficiary arrangements have also been in focus following the State Government’s recent announcements.
- Scheme Renamed: The State Cabinet approved the name Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme towards the end of October 2026.
- Additional Financial Assistance: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on 25 September 2026 that eligible farmers receiving PM-KISAN benefits would get total annual assistance of ₹9,000 instead of ₹6,000. This includes an additional ₹3,000 from the State Government.
- One Beneficiary per Family: On 28 September 2026, Agriculture Minister Dudh Kumar Mondal stated that the Government would restrict the assistance to one beneficiary per family.
- Beneficiary Verification: The Agriculture Department plans to review beneficiary records and remove fake or ineligible entries, including income tax payers and specified government employees.
- Registration and Verification: The department reportedly provided eligible farmers with an additional 10 days to complete fresh registration and verification under the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme.
- First Payment Scheduled: The Chief Minister is scheduled to release the first payment on 5 November 2026 from Pursurah in Hooghly district. Around 48 to 50 lakh farmers are expected to receive the additional State assistance.
- Check Beneficiary Details: Farmers should check their PM-KISAN registration, complete eKYC and ensure that their Aadhaar-linked bank details are correct. These records are important for identifying eligible beneficiaries for the State assistance.
- Official Guidelines Awaited: The Department of Agriculture has not yet published detailed guidelines confirming all final eligibility conditions and implementation procedures.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme was designed to provide financial assistance to farmers for cultivation and social security to their families. It covered two major areas: annual income support and financial assistance in the event of a registered farmer’s death.
- Annual Financial Assistance for Cultivation
- Farmers with 1 acre or more of cultivable agricultural land receive annual assistance of ₹10,000.
- Farmers with less than 1 acre of cultivable land receive a minimum annual assistance of ₹4,000.
- The Government releases the assistance in two instalments during the Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons.
- Farmers can use this amount to meet expenses related to seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation and other agricultural activities.
- Krishak Bandhu Death Benefit
- If a registered beneficiary farmer dies between the prescribed age limits of 18 and 60 years, the eligible nominee or family member can receive ₹2,00,000 as one-time financial assistance.
- This assistance helps the farmer’s family manage immediate financial difficulties after the loss of its earning member.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- The Government transfers the approved financial assistance directly to the beneficiary’s registered bank account.
- Direct bank transfers help maintain transparency and reduce the need for beneficiaries to collect payments through intermediaries.
Important Note: The State Cabinet has approved Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana as the new name for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme. The State has also announced additional annual assistance of ₹3,000 for eligible PM-KISAN beneficiaries, taking the announced combined support to ₹9,000 per year. Farmers should check the latest official guidelines to understand how the earlier income assistance and death benefit components will operate after the name change.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Farmers applying under the earlier West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme must meet the prescribed residency, age and agricultural land-related conditions. The applicant should also possess valid documents to establish their eligibility during verification.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- The applicant’s age must be between 18 and 60 years.
- The applicant must own or cultivate eligible agricultural land or be a recorded sharecropper (Bargadar).
- The applicant must possess at least one valid land-related document from the following:
- Record of Rights (ROR) of agricultural land.
- Government-issued Patta.
- Forest Patta.
- Recorded Sharecropper (Bargadar) Document.
- The applicant must provide correct personal, identity and agricultural land details for verification.
Important Note: Land ownership and recorded sharecropping are separate eligibility categories. Applicants should submit the document applicable to their agricultural status. The State Government has also announced a one-beneficiary-per-family rule and additional assistance linked to PM-KISAN. These new payment conditions should not be treated as a replacement for the earlier scheme’s eligibility rules until the Department of Agriculture publishes the final guidelines.
Documents Required to be Attached
To receive financial assistance under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, farmers must submit certain documents for identity verification, land ownership validation, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) processing. Keeping all required documents ready in advance can help avoid delays during application verification.
- Agricultural Land Document (Any One of the Following)
- Record of Rights (ROR) of cultivable agricultural land
- Government-issued Patta
- Forest Patta
- Barga Recorded Land Document
- Farmer Voter ID Card
- Farmer Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Details
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Registered Mobile Number
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
West Bengal farmers who wish to receive financial assistance under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme must currently apply through the offline application process. The application form is available free of cost, and the process is simple if all required documents are kept ready beforehand.
Step 1: Download the Krishak Bandhu Scheme Application Form or collect it free of cost from your nearest Gram Panchayat Office or the Office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture.
Step 2: Fill in all the details carefully, including your name, address, agricultural land information, Aadhaar number, bank account details, and contact information.
Step 3: Attach all the required documents along with the application form. Make sure the information mentioned in the form matches the documents being submitted.
Step 4: Do not forget to attach your Voter Identity Card, as it is one of the important documents required during the application process.
Step 5: Submit the completed application form along with supporting documents at the Gram Panchayat Office or the Office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture in your area.
Step 6: The concerned officials will verify your application details, land records, eligibility conditions, and supporting documents.
Step 7: Once your application is approved, your name will be added to the Krishak Bandhu beneficiary database maintained by the Government of West Bengal.
Step 8: After successful verification and approval, the financial assistance amount will be transferred directly to your registered bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in two equal instalments every year.
Important: Farmers who have already applied can also check their beneficiary details and Krishak Bandhu status through the official portal whenever the Government activates status verification services. To avoid delays, ensure that your Aadhaar details, bank account information, voter ID, and land records remain updated and accurate.
Farmer Death Claim Procedure under Krishak Bandhu
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme also provides financial security to farming families during difficult times. If a registered farmer passes away due to any reason, the eligible nominee or family member can apply for the death benefit and receive financial assistance of Rs. 2,00,000 under the scheme.
Step 1: Download the Krishak Bandhu Death Claim Application Form or collect it free of cost from the Gram Panchayat Office or the Office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture.
Step 2: Fill in the application form carefully with the details of the deceased farmer and the claimant who is seeking the benefit.
Step 3: Keep all the required documents ready before submitting the application.
- Identity Proof of the deceased farmer.
- Death Certificate of the deceased farmer.
- Claimant Certificate.
- Agricultural Land Details.
- Claimant Self Declaration Form.
- Bank Account Details of the claimant.
Step 4: Attach all the required documents along with the completed application form and verify that the information provided is accurate.
Step 5: Submit the Death Claim Application Form at the Gram Panchayat Office for further processing.
Step 6: The concerned Agriculture Department officials will examine the application, verify the documents, and confirm the claimant’s eligibility under the scheme.
Step 7: After successful verification and approval, the death benefit amount of Rs. 2,00,000 will be transferred directly to the bank account of the eligible claimant or nominee through DBT.
Important: To avoid delays in receiving the benefit, ensure that the deceased farmer was properly registered under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme and that all supporting documents, especially the death certificate, claimant certificate, and bank account details, are submitted correctly.
How to Use Krishak Bandhu Farmer Search Facility
The Government of West Bengal provides an online Farmer Search facility through the official Krishak Bandhu Portal. Farmers can use this service to find their registration details and check whether their information is available in the scheme’s beneficiary database.
Farmers looking for a Krishak Bandhu Status Check or their registration details can follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official Krishak Bandhu Farmer Search Facility.
Step 2: Open the Farmer Search page and check the search methods available on the portal.
Step 3: Select the appropriate search option and enter the requested details, such as your Aadhaar Number, Voter ID Number, Krishak Bandhu ID or other information supported by the portal.
Step 4: Carefully check the entered details and click on the Search button.
Step 5: If your information is available in the Krishak Bandhu database, the portal will display the matching farmer or beneficiary details.
Step 6: Check the displayed information, including your name, registration details and other available beneficiary records.
Step 7: If the portal does not find your details or displays incorrect information, contact your nearest Gram Panchayat Office or the Office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture for assistance.
What Details Can Farmers Check Through Krishak Bandhu Farmer Search?
The Farmer Search facility helps applicants and registered farmers locate their available records in the official database. Depending on the information displayed by the portal, farmers may be able to check:
- Registered farmer details.
- Krishak Bandhu ID, where available.
- Beneficiary registration information.
- Other records associated with the farmer’s application.
Important: Finding a farmer’s details through the Farmer Search facility does not necessarily confirm that a payment has been approved or released. Farmers should check the available beneficiary and payment information separately. Always use the official Krishak Bandhu Portal and enter details that match your registered records.
Difference Between Krishak Bandhu and Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
The Government of West Bengal has approved Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana as the new name for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme. This has created questions among farmers about the old scheme’s benefits and the additional assistance announced by the State Government.
The following table explains the distinction between the earlier scheme structure and the recent announcements:
| Particulars | Earlier Krishak Bandhu Scheme | New Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Announcement |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Krishak Bandhu Scheme | Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana |
| Nature of Assistance | Income support for farmers and death benefit for eligible families | Additional State financial assistance linked to PM-KISAN |
| Annual Income Support | ₹10,000 for farmers with 1 acre or more of cultivable land, and a minimum of ₹4,000 for smaller landholdings | Additional ₹3,000 per year announced for eligible PM-KISAN beneficiaries |
| Central Government Assistance | Not part of the earlier Krishak Bandhu payment structure | ₹6,000 per year under PM-KISAN |
| Combined Annual Support | Based on the earlier Krishak Bandhu assistance structure | Up to ₹9,000 per year, combining the announced ₹6,000 PM-KISAN assistance and ₹3,000 State assistance |
| Death Benefit | One-time assistance of ₹2,00,000 to the eligible nominee or family member of a registered farmer | Continuation under the renamed scheme requires confirmation through the final official guidelines |
| Beneficiary Rule | Eligibility based on the earlier scheme’s prescribed conditions | One beneficiary per family, as announced by the Agriculture Minister |
Important Clarification: The new name does not, by itself, establish whether every earlier benefit or eligibility condition has changed. The final implementation guidelines from the Department of Agriculture will clarify the continuation of existing benefits, beneficiary conditions and payment arrangements. Farmers should refer to the official Krishak Bandhu Portal for the latest information.
Available Application Forms of the Scheme
- English Application Form of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
- Bengali Application Form of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
- English Death Claim Application Form of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
- Bengali Death Claim Application Form of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
- Claimant Self-Declaration Form of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
Important Links Available
- Krishak Bandhu Scheme Official Website.
- Krishak Bandhu Scheme Registered Farmer Details.
- English Guidelines of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
- Bengali Guidelines of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
- Mobile App of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Contact Number of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal :-
- 08597974989.
- 06291720406.
- Krishak Bandhu Scheme WhatsApp Chatbot :- 9830383383
- Contact Email of Krishak Bandhu Scheme West Bengal :-
- kbhelpdeskwebel@gmail.com.
- krishak.bandhu@ingreens.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. Krishak Bandhu is a farmer welfare scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal. It provides annual financial assistance for agricultural activities and offers a death benefit to the eligible family of a registered farmer.
Q. What is the new name of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. The West Bengal State Cabinet has approved Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme as the new name for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme.
Q. Who can apply for the West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. Under the earlier scheme conditions, permanent residents of West Bengal aged between 18 and 60 years who own or cultivate eligible agricultural land or are recorded sharecroppers can apply, subject to the prescribed document requirements.
Q. How much financial assistance was provided under Krishak Bandhu?
Ans. Farmers with one acre or more of cultivable agricultural land received ₹10,000 per year. Farmers with less than one acre received a minimum annual assistance of ₹4,000.
Q. How many instalments are provided under the Krishak Bandhu income support component?
Ans. The annual assistance is released in two instalments during the Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons.
Q. What is the death benefit under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. The earlier scheme provided one-time financial assistance of ₹2,00,000 to the eligible nominee or family member of a registered farmer who died between the prescribed age limits of 18 and 60 years.
Q. How can farmers apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. Under the earlier application process, farmers could apply offline by collecting the prescribed form from their Gram Panchayat Office or the Office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture and submitting it with the required documents.
Q. Is Aadhaar Card required for Krishak Bandhu registration?
Ans. Aadhaar Card is among the important identity documents required under the earlier application process. Applicants should follow the latest instructions issued by the Agriculture Department.
Q. Which land documents are accepted under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. The earlier scheme accepted eligible land-related documents such as Record of Rights (ROR), Government-issued Patta, Forest Patta and recorded Bargadar documents.
Q. How can I check my Krishak Bandhu Status online?
Ans. Farmers can visit the official Krishak Bandhu Portal and use the Farmer Search facility to locate their registration and beneficiary details.
Q. Can I check my Krishak Bandhu ID through the official portal?
Ans. Farmers can use the official Farmer Search facility to look for their available registration details. The Krishak Bandhu ID can be checked where the portal displays or supports this information.
Q. Can I check Krishak Bandhu Status using Voter ID?
Ans. Voter ID is an important identity document associated with the earlier scheme. Farmers can use it for online searches only if the official portal provides the relevant search option.
Q. Is Krishak Bandhu the same as Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Ans. The State Cabinet has approved Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi as the new name for the earlier Krishak Bandhu scheme. Farmers should refer to the latest official guidelines for details about the revised implementation and benefits.
Q. Can farmers receive PM-KISAN benefits along with the new State assistance?
Ans. The State Government has announced an additional ₹3,000 per year for eligible PM-KISAN beneficiaries. Along with the annual PM-KISAN assistance of ₹6,000, the announced combined support amounts to ₹9,000 per year. Farmers should check the final State guidelines for the applicable conditions.
Q. Where can farmers get help regarding the Krishak Bandhu Scheme?
Ans. Farmers can contact their nearest Gram Panchayat Office, the Office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture or use the contact details provided on the official Krishak Bandhu Portal.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.