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A Complete Guide to Agriculture Loan Options for Farmers in 2025

August 07, 2025

In 2025, securing the right agriculture loan will be crucial for Indian farmers to thrive. From crop loan schemes to MSME finance, solar loan for farmers, and agri business loan options, this guide from Agriwise helps you navigate the best agriculture loan options in India.

Agriculture loan landscape: Key figures & trends

In FY 2024‑25, formal farm credit in India rose to ₹28.98 lakh crore, with projections to exceed ₹31.5 lakh crore in FY 2025‑26—over ₹32 lakh crore per NABARD forecasts. Over 60% of this is short-term crop loan schemes financing seasonal needs, with the rest supporting investment in machinery, infrastructure, and allied sectors. In addition, short-term credit has nearly doubled since 2014‑15, and the share of small and marginal farmers accessing agriculture loans has grown to 76% in 2023‑24 according to PIB.

As per Farmonaut, projected average agriculture loan interest rate in India for 2025 is approximately 8.2% p.a.—down from around 8.7% in 2023—with effective rates as low as 4% for prompt repayment under interest subvention schemes.

Top Types of Agriculture Loan Options

Crop loan schemes / Farmer loan 2025: Under NABARD–GoI interest subvention, crop loans up to ₹3 lakh are extended at 7% nominal interest, and farmers repaying promptly may get an extra 3% discount—bringing the effective rate to just 4%. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) provide working capital credit for seeds, fertilisers, labour, with repayment aligned to harvest cycles. These are top agri finance tools for short‑term needs.
Farm equipment finance & Agri business loan: Long‑term farm equipment finance supports buying tractors, drip irrigation, solar pumps, or machinery—with tenures of 3–7 years and interest rates in the range of 6%–10% depending on collateral and green technology focus. For larger ventures, agri business loan options are available from banks like HDFC or ICICI with rates from 9%–11%, requiring business plans and a bit of collateral.
Agri‑infra, warehouse finance & working capital loan for farmers: Under NABARD’s AMI sub-scheme, a credit-linked facility offers a subsidy of 25–33% for projects such as warehouses, cold-storage, and market infrastructure—supported via warehouse finance options for small and medium-scale infrastructure borrowers. Working capital loan for farmers via MSME credit lines help with post‑harvest costs, sorting, packaging, or distribution.
Collateral‑free agri loan & MSME loan for agriculture: Thanks to RBI’s policy, small and marginal farmers can access collateral free agri loan up to ₹2 lakh (recently raised from ₹1.6 lakh), via banks or small finance banks. For agri‑based micro, small and medium enterprises like FPOs or food‑processing firms, MSME loan for agriculture and invoice discounting for agri MSMEs provide credit tied to receivables and inventory. NABARD’s NABSAMRUDDHI and NABKISAN schemes support MSME finance and FPO loan schemes with targeted support.
Loan against property for farmers & solar loan for farmers: Term loans backed by real estate—loan against property for farmers—are available at 7‑9% interest rates, supporting working capital or expansion. Similarly, solar loan for farmers helps install solar pumps or panels, often with concessional rates and refinance support from NABARD, aiming to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.
FPO loan scheme & government loan for farmers: NABARD and government‑backed FPO loan scheme targets Farmer Producer Organisations, giving upto 100% refinance and grant support. Various state governments—e.g., UP’s Rs 5,000 crore subsidised scheme—provide government loan for farmers with special interest subsidies (~3%) to modernise cold storage and farm infrastructure.

Choosing the Right Agriculture Loan in 2025

Role of NABARD schemes 2025 & Agriwise services

NABARD Schemes 2025 such as STCRC, LTRCF, AMI sub‑scheme, dairy lending, KCC refinance and agro‑infrastructure refinance underpin most agriculture loan options—ensuring subsidised rates, refinance support, and grants.

At Agriwise, we offer end‑to‑end assistance in identifying the best loan for farmers in India—from applying for KCC crop loans, MSME loan for agriculture, FPO loan scheme, solar loans, and connecting you with lenders offering farm equipment finance, collateral‑free options, working capital loans, or even loan against property. We help you compare by interest rate, tenure, and eligibility to ensure you get the optimal credit solution.

Tips to Secure Best Agriculture Loan 2025

Choose the right category—short‑term crop loan, MSME finance, solar loan, infrastructure, etc.
Repay promptly to access better agriculture loan interest rate such as the 3% prompt repayment incentive.
Join JLGs (Joint Liability Groups) or FPOs for easier access to collateral‑free or group‑supported loans.
Use bankable business plans for agri business loan or equipment finance.
Access government or NABARD schemes via Agriwise to streamline application and documentation.

Conclusion

In 2025, agriculture loan options in India span crop loans, working capital, equipment finance, agri‑infrastructure support, solar financing, collateral‑free credit, and FPO/MSME schemes. Interest rates range from as low as 4% for crop loans to around 9‑11% for business/investment loans, powered by government and NABARD interventions. With over ₹31–32 lakh crore in total farm credit expected in FY 2025‑26, farmers have unprecedented access to formal credit channels.

Whether you’re a smallholder seeking collateral-free agri loan, an FPO exploring invoice discounting for agri MSMEs, or a solar‑pump owner evaluating a solar loan for farmers, Agriwise can guide you through the process—from matching schemes to application support. Maximise your productivity and growth with the best agriculture loan strategy to empower your farming future.

Disclaimer

The content published on this blog is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and is not intended as professional or legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, Agriwise make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog content or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified agricultural experts, agronomists, or relevant professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided herein. Agriwise, its authors, contributors, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from reliance on information contained in this blog. Through this blog, you may be able to link to other websites that are not under the control of Agriwise. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites and inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them. We reserve the right to modify, update, or remove blog content at any time without prior notice.

Seasonal Crop Loans: What Every Farmer Should Know!

July 30, 2025

As India’s agricultural landscape evolves, the demand for timely and structured financial solutions has never been greater. In 2024–25, India’s agricultural credit target has been raised to ₹20 lakh crore, a strong policy signal aimed at ensuring liquidity for farmers through accessible and flexible crop finance. Among the various funding options available, seasonal crop loans remain one of the most vital tools to help farmers meet cyclical agricultural expenses—like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour—without disrupting cash flow or compromising yield.

But what do farmers need to know about crop loans?

We‘ll particularly discuss about seasonal crop finance, and how agrifintech platforms like Agriwise are assisting them in accessing short-term capital at the right time.

What are seasonal crop loans?

A seasonal crop loan is a short-term credit facility provided to farmers to finance the cost of cultivation and other associated agricultural operations during the crop cycle. These loans usually align with sowing and harvesting seasons—Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid—ensuring that farmers have timely access to funds when input costs are at their peak.

Unlike long-term farm loans used for purchasing land or machinery, crop finance for farmers is designed to cover operational expenses such as:

Seed purchase
Fertilisers and pesticides
Labour wages
Irrigation and water management
Harvesting and transportation

These agriculture loans are typically repaid after the harvest season, often in a lump sum or structured installments, depending on the lender’s terms.

Why do seasonal crop loans matter?

Timely input procurement: Farmers can purchase high-quality inputs on time, ensuring optimum crop health and yield.
Reduced dependency on informal credit: Many smallholder farmers rely on high-interest informal loans. Seasonal crop finance offers a formal, regulated alternative with better interest rates.
Cash flow stability: It provides working capital during the sowing season, which is otherwise a period of cash crunch for many farming households.
Improved productivity: With access to adequate resources, farmers can adopt better farming practices, ultimately boosting their productivity and income.

Best crop loan schemes in India

In addition to commercial banks and cooperative societies, several central government schemes offer crop finance for farmers, such as:

Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Offers short-term loans up to ₹3 lakh at a subsidised interest rate of 4% (subject to timely repayment).
NABARD Refinance Scheme: Supports lending institutions by providing refinance for crop loans.
Interest Subvention Scheme: Provides interest relief for timely repayments of seasonal agri loans.

Private agrifinance companies in India, like Agriwise, are complementing these schemes with digital-first, flexible financial solutions tailored for today’s farmers.

Agriwise: Empowering seasonal farming with smart credit

As a leading agri finance company in India, Agriwise enables farmers to access credit through tech-enabled processes that are fast, transparent, and farmer-friendly.

Here’s how Agriwise supports seasonal crop finance:

Loan Against Property: For larger funding needs, Agriwise offers LAP solutions tailored for agribusinesses and MSMEs engaged in farming & other businesses.
Farmer financing: Agriwise’s farmer financing is designed to finance the purchase of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and other critical inputs.
Digital onboarding: Quick loan processing through a tech-enabled platform ensures timely disbursal—crucial for seasonal agri loan requirements.
Farmer scorecard & advisory: Agriwise’s team provides on-ground support to ensure farmers receive the loans they are eligible for.

Agriwise also caters to small business owners in the rural economy by offering finance for MSMEs, finance for small business owners, and warehouse-based agricredit services—making it a full-spectrum agri loan partner.

How to get finance for seasonal crops?

Navigating the path to secure a crop loan has become more accessible thanks to digitisation and inclusive policies. Here are the general steps:

Determine your loan requirement: Estimate the cost of cultivation and operational needs.

Select the right lender: Choose from banks, NBFCs, or agrifintech platforms like Agriwise.

Prepare required documents: These usually include land ownership records, Aadhaar card, income proof, and crop plans.

Apply digitally or via field agent: Submit the application online or at the nearest Agriwise service centre.

Loan disbursal: Once approved, funds are directly transferred to the farmer’s account—often within days.

What are the benefits for farmers?

Lower interest rates: Especially when availed through government-linked schemes or responsible NBFCs like Agriwise.
Flexible repayment: Repayment schedules aligned with crop cycles to avoid financial stress.
Improved financial planning: Structured loans improve credit discipline, enabling access to future loans at better terms.
Eligibility for subsidies: Access to crop insurance and government subsidies often require formal credit linkage.

Conclusion

Access to seasonal crop loans can be a game-changer for Indian farmers, especially smallholders who often struggle with liquidity during peak farming periods. With the right agriculture loan, farmers can enhance productivity, protect their crops, and strengthen their livelihoods. Agriwise is revolutionising crop finance for farmers by offering quick, tech-driven, and farmer-centric financing options.
As the agrarian economy grows, embracing smart agrifinance solutions like those offered by Agriwise will be crucial in building a resilient, productive, and financially empowered rural India.

Agri‑Infra Loans: Building Rural Assets through Finance

July 24, 2025

Rural finance has emerged as a key driver in transforming India’s agrarian landscape in recent years. Among these, agri-infra loans, also known as agriculture infrastructure loans, have catalysed the creation of vital rural assets—warehouses, cold chains, and processing facilities—that empower farmers to enhance their incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and modernise their businesses. These funds complement existing agricultural finance tools, such as agri-business loans, farm infrastructure finance, and traditional agri loans in India.

Why agri‑infra loans?

Traditional farmer credit often supports input costs—seeds, fertilisers or irrigation—through short‑term products like the Kisan Credit Card, which held ₹9.81 lakh crore outstanding across 7.75 crore accounts as of March 2024, as per the Press Information Bureau. But what about long‑term assets? Enter agri loans for warehouse financing, cold storage loans, and farm asset creation schemes that underpin supply-chain resilience and income optimisation.

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF): A game‑changer agri loans!

Launched in August 2020, the AIF is a ₹1 lakh crore initiative offering medium- to long-term debt with:

3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 crore for 7 years,
Credit guarantee via CGTMSE for up to ₹2 crore,
Tenure up to 7 years, with moratoriums ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

By January 2025, AIF had sanctioned ₹51,364 crore across 84,159 projects—including warehouses, cold storages, processing & grading units. These interventions align tightly with rural infrastructure finance and rural development funding, boosting livelihoods beyond raw production.

“On an average, this Agriculture infrastructure fund initiative has enabled farmers to get 11- 14% higher prices for their produce.” – Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare

NABARD’s role in farm asset creation

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) acts as a key conduit, providing refinance support via its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and new AMI sub-schemes. In FY 2024–25, NABARD extended a record ₹5,830 crore to Jharkhand alone, financing irrigation, bridges, rural godowns, and cold storage—benefiting over 2 lakh farmers, according to The Economic Times. NABARD also 2024–25 channelled ₹24,500 crore through RIDF, with ₹19,500 crore disbursed.

Additionally, it supports schemes like Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, offering subsidies for rural godown construction up to 30,000 tonnes. These are critical to rural asset creation, enabling cold chain loans and warehouse financing to reach marginal farmers and FPOs.

State-level initiatives: Cold storage & e-Marketing

State governments are also stepping up. In Uttar Pradesh, the state is deploying ₹5,000 crore in agri-infra loans with a 3% interest subsidy to promote cold storage, pack-houses, warehouses, and e-marketing under the Agri Infrastructure Fund and the Self-Reliant Integrated Development Scheme (The Times of India).

Agriwise for agri loans

Agriwise Finserv, a leading NBFC company, is delivering customised agri finance solutions that support rural infrastructure development. Through its seamless digital lending platform, Agriwise provides quick and collateral-backed agri business loans, warehouse financing, and farm infrastructure finance tailored to the evolving needs of farmers, FPOs, and agri-entrepreneurs.

By simplifying access to formal credit loans and partnering with banks, NBFCs, and government schemes, Agriwise bridges the rural credit gap, fostering long-term asset creation. With a focus on transparency, speed, and financial literacy, Agriwise is driving sustainable growth and unlocking the true potential of India’s agricultural sector.

Opportunities: Farmers, FPOs & Agri Entrepreneurs

Agri‑Infra Loans are designed for:

Individual farmers seeking cold storage or warehousing,
FPOs/FPCs building processing and marketing units,
Agri‑startups, SHGs, cooperatives, and rural MSMEs.

Such entities can tap into NABARD AIF, state bank schemes (e.g., SBI’s cold storage loan of up to ₹50 crore, with 10–11% interest over 10 years), CGTMSE guarantees, and central subsidies. Moreover, new initiatives like NABARD’s e-Kisan Credit Card portal streamline the application and disbursement process.

Challenges & the road ahead

Awareness remains a hurdle; many farmers still lack clarity on government schemes for farmers. Under‑financing is also a concern—banks are urged to offer adequate credit for rehabilitation and plans. With agri‐credit projected to surpass ₹32 lakh crore by FY 2025‑26, a 14% increase from FY 2024‑25, accessible infrastructure loans will be key to sustainable rural transformation, as per The Times of India.

Conclusion

Agri loans—underpinned by AIF, NABARD, CGTMSE, agritech, and state-level pushes—are opening new frontiers in rural development funding and asset-based agri finance. Whether you’re a small farmer building a cold storage unit, an FPO creating a grading centre, or an agri-entrepreneur setting up a warehouse, these tools offer affordable, backed credit to scale up, de-risk your operations, and get the most from the land. For those ready to embrace agriculture infrastructure loans, now is a fertile moment.

Top Government Schemes for Farmers: What to Know Before Applying for Credit?

July 03, 2025

Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, employing over 50% of the nation’s workforce and contributing nearly 18% to the country’s GDP. Yet, farmers—especially smallholders—often face severe financial constraints in accessing quality inputs, mechanisation, storage facilities, and post-harvest services. Recognising this, the Indian government has rolled out several targeted initiatives to provide timely and affordable credit to the farming community. From subsidised loans to direct benefit transfers, these government schemes for farmers are designed to improve financial inclusion and build long-term resilience in the agriculture sector.
However, to fully utilise these benefits, farmers must understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and documentation involved. What are the top credit-linked schemes, and what do farmers need to know before applying—empowering them to make informed choices that support their growth and well-being? Let’s understand that!

Kisan Credit Card Schemes (KCC schemes): According to the Press Information Bureau, operative KCC accounts have disbursed over ₹10.05 lakh crore as of December 2024, benefiting 7.72 crore farmers. The government’s Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) supports short-term loans up to ₹5 lakh at reduced rates—1.5% subsidy to banks, plus a prompt repayment incentive of 3%, effectively lowering the interest rate to 4%.
Additionally, collateral-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh (soon rising to ₹2 lakh after the RBI raised the collateral-free limit from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh in late 2024) ensure smallholder farmers receive hassle-free credit.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Launched in February 2019, PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000/year in three installments to landholding farmers. While not a credit scheme per se, this cash transfer enhances liquidity and supports the rural agricultural economy. A substantial beneficiary base—over 12 crore farmers—makes it a key government scheme for welfare for farmers.
Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Introduced in 2020 with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus, AIF finances agri-infrastructure like cold stores, warehouses, and processing units. According to the Press Information Bureau, ₹47,575 crore has been sanctioned across 74,508 projects as of August 2024—supporting 6,623 warehouses, 688 cold stores, and 21 silos, which adds 500 LMT storage capacity. Farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, and panchayats are eligible to apply. Enhanced credit guarantee coverage via NABARD’s guarantee trust reduces lender risk.
NABARD Refinancing & Rural Agri MSME Funding: NABARD, established in 1982, plays a dual role in direct financing and refinancing to partner banks, facilitating rural credit. It supports agri-MSMEs through capital subsidy and credit-linked capital subsidy schemes, enabling infrastructure development, organic input manufacturing, dairy entrepreneurship, and more. State-level initiatives, such as Mukhya Mantri Krishak Samridhi Yojana in Uttar Pradesh, also channel NABARD refinancing through cooperative banks to reach smallholders.
PM-KUSUM & Green Energy Schemes: Under PM-KUSUM, farmers receive up to 60% subsidy for installing solar pumps and developing community solar projects. This furthers energy security, lowers diesel dependence, and offers additional income through surplus electricity sales. AIF’s synergy with the PM-KUSUM Component-A further enhances funding options.
Additional Support—Crop Insurance & Godown Subsidies: Insurance under the PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) provides comprehensive coverage against crop loss and post-harvest damage. Gramin Bhandaran Yojana offers capital subsidies for building or renovating rural godowns, increasing farmers’ ability to store produce, avoid distress sale, and access MSP or e-NAM.

Before You Apply: Key Considerations

Eligibility criteria: Read scheme-specific norms, including farm size, cropping pattern, and FPO status.
Documentation: Aadhar, land records, bank account, income/farmer certificates are essential.
Scheme integration: You can simultaneously access various government schemes and subsidies for farmers in India, including KCC, PM-KISAN, PM-KUSUM, PMFBY, and AIF.
Interest subvention: Prompt repayment is often necessary to maximise benefits; KCC requires timely repayment for full subsidy.
Collateral requirements: Failure to meet subsidies or exceeding thresholds may necessitate collateral.

How Agriwise Is Helping Farmers?

Agriwise Finserv is StarAgri’s specialised financing arm, offering flexible, tech-driven agri and MSME finance solutions that support Indian farmers, FPOs, agri-input retailers, and value chain participants by providing transparent, tech-driven finance solutions. Their product suite includes:

Secured Business Loan (Loan Against Property or LAP)
Warehouse receipt financing (Commodity finance)
Invoice Bill Discounting (Supply Chain Finance)
Farmer financing & Solar financing

By partnering with over 25 Indian banks and refining processes through digital platforms, Agriwise ensures faster disbursements and efficient access to credit. They are bridging gaps in rural agri-MSME funding and enabling farmers to fully leverage government-sponsored schemes.

Conclusion

The landscape of government schemes for farmers in India is robust—from welfare programmes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY to credit-led schemes like KCC, AIF, and NABARD-backed infrastructure financing.

To maximise benefits:

Choose schemes aligned with your farming needs.

Prepare accurate documentation.

Leverage interest subsidies and insurance.

Integrate the scheme benefits.

Utilise structured financing partners, such as Agriwise, for improved access and process efficiency.

With ₹10+ lakh crore KCC disbursals, ₹47,575 crore AIF support, and thousands of cold stores and warehouses sanctioned, these Government schemes and subsidies for farmers in India are transforming the rural economy. The key is awareness, diligence, and smart financial planning—empowered by institutions like Agriwise.