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@article{179654,
        author = {Suryan Gautam and Dr. Avinash Rana and Dr. Jyoti Sondhi and Dr. Divya Rai and Mr. Hemant Kapoor and Varun Parmar},
        title = {Evaluation of the Kisan Credit Card Scheme in Balh Valley, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {12},
        pages = {7397-7403},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=179654},
        abstract = {Agriculture remains a critical pillar of the 
Indian economy, especially in rural areas where a 
majority of the population depends on it for livelihood. 
Access to timely and affordable institutional credit is 
vital for improving agricultural productivity and 
reducing dependency on informal lending. The Kisan 
Credit Card (KCC) scheme, launched in 1998-99, aims 
to provide short-term credit to farmers at subsidized 
interest rates. This study evaluates the implementation 
and effectiveness of the KCC scheme in Balh Valley of 
District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh—an agriculturally 
significant region known for its fertile land and high 
concentration of small and medium farmers. Using a 
descriptive research design and primary data collected 
from 100 farmers, the study examines awareness levels, 
satisfaction, 
challenges, 
and 
socio-economic 
characteristics of KCC users. The results show that 
most beneficiaries are moderately educated, medium
scale farmers with limited commercialization of 
agricultural output. While mass media plays a 
dominant role in disseminating information about the 
scheme, a majority of farmers exhibit only partial 
awareness of its benefits. Overall satisfaction with the 
scheme is positive, particularly regarding credit 
availability and cost reduction. However, procedural 
complexity, insufficient credit limits, delays in 
disbursement, and concerns about collateral 
requirements remain key barriers. The study 
recommends enhancing awareness through localized 
campaigns, simplifying application processes, revising 
credit limits, and integrating technology for improved 
accessibility and transparency. Addressing these issues 
could significantly enhance the scheme’s reach and 
impact, promoting more sustainable and market
oriented agricultural practices in the region.},
        keywords = {Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme,  Agricultural Credit, Balh Valley, Farmer Awareness,  Rural Finance.},
        month = {May},
        }