Zaid Crops

Zaid Crops: Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has included 9 zaid crops under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

• About Zaid Crops: It grown between the Rabi and Kharif seasons, have a high tolerance for intense heat and dry winds.

o Major zaid crops include cucumber, pumpkin, bitter gourd, watermelon, sugarcane, and peanut. In North India, usually sown in March-April.

o Farmers will now benefit from KCC and crop insurance for crops like groundnut, maize, green gram, urad, papaya, litchi, watermelon, melon, and amla.

o Provides easy access to agricultural loans and compensation for crop loss due to natural calamities.

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): It was launched in 1998 to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers for agricultural and ancillary expenses.

o Benefits: Offers loans at low interest rates and farmers who repay on time get an interest discount of up to 3%.

o Implementing Agencies: Commercial Banks → Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) → Small Finance Banks → Co-operative Societies

• About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Launched in 2016 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

o Eligibility: All farmers, including tenant farmers/holding farmers growing notified crops in notified areas.