The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana (also known as Dirghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana or Deerghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana) was launched by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. The scheme was introduced in the financial year 2022-23 to address the long-term credit needs of agricultural credit cooperatives across India. NCDC, a statutory organization established in 1963, has been at the forefront of strengthening the cooperative movement in India.
Under this scheme, NCDC provides long-term financial assistance to eligible agricultural credit cooperatives for onward lending of long-term loans and advances to farmers and rural entrepreneurs. The scheme has already sanctioned ₹5,400.76 crore and disbursed ₹2,137 crore across 5 implementing cooperative societies as of the financial year 2024-25. The loan tenure is up to 5 years without any moratorium, and the funding pattern covers up to 80% of the total requirement of the cooperative. The scheme aims to boost capital formation in agriculture, ensure uninterrupted credit flow, and promote alternate employment opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.
In this article, you will learn everything about the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana including eligibility criteria for cooperatives, how to apply, loan terms, interest rates, funding pattern, security requirements, and frequently asked questions. Whether you are a member of a Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative (PACS) or a managing committee member of a District Central Cooperative Bank, this guide covers all the details in simple and easy-to-understand language.
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Overview of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana is a flagship credit scheme of NCDC designed to supplement the resources of agricultural credit cooperatives. It enables these cooperatives to extend long-term loans to their members for various farm and non-farm activities, thereby strengthening the cooperative credit system and promoting rural economic development.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dirghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana / Deerghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana |
| Launched Year | 2022-23 |
| Implementing Agency | National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India |
| Target Beneficiaries | Agricultural Credit Cooperatives (PACS, DCCBs, StCBs, PCARDBs, SCARDBs) |
| Loan Purpose | Long-term loans for agriculture, allied activities & non-farm sector |
| Loan Tenure | Up to 5 years |
| Moratorium | No moratorium |
| Interest Rate | As per NCDC circular (prevailing rate at time of disbursement) |
| Funding Pattern | Up to 80% of total requirement |
| Security Required | Government guarantee, bank guarantee, mortgage, FDR, or hypothecation |
| Processing Fee | 0.5% of sanctioned amount (max ₹3 lakh) + GST for direct loans |
| Total Sanctioned (till 2024-25) | ₹5,400.76 crore |
| Total Disbursed (till 2024-25) | ₹2,137 crore |
| Implementing Societies | 5 cooperatives |
| Official Website | ncdc.in |
Eligibility Criteria of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
To avail the benefits of the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana, cooperatives must meet the following strict eligibility conditions:
- Operational History: The cooperative must have been in operation for at least 3 years before applying.
- Net Worth: The cooperative must have positive net worth, not less than 100% of paid-up share capital. There should be no erosion in the paid-up share capital.
- Financial Performance: The cooperative must not have incurred any cash loss during the last three years.
- Profitability: There should be net profit in at least two of the previous three years.
- Eligible Cooperative Types:
- Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperatives (PACS)
- District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs)
- State Cooperative Banks (StCBs)
- Primary Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs)
- State Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Banks (SCARDBs)
- Direct Funding Eligibility: For direct funding from NCDC (without routing through State Government), the cooperative must fulfill all the above financial criteria strictly.
- State Government Route: Cooperatives that do not meet direct funding criteria may still apply through their respective State Government or UT Administration.
Note: These eligibility criteria ensure that only financially disciplined and sustainable cooperatives benefit from the scheme, protecting the interests of the cooperative members and the government.
Benefits of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana offers multiple benefits to agricultural credit cooperatives and ultimately to the farmers and rural entrepreneurs they serve. Here are the key advantages explained in detail:
Long-Term Credit Availability
- Cooperatives receive long-term loans up to 5 years for onward lending.
- This ensures that farmers get access to credit for long-gestation projects like horticulture, dairy, and farm mechanization.
Up to 80% Funding Support
- NCDC provides up to 80% of the total requirement of the cooperative.
- The remaining 20% can be sourced from NABARD, State Government, own funds, deposits, or other financing institutions.
Boost to Capital Formation
- The scheme specifically aims to boost capital formation in agriculture and allied sectors.
- This helps farmers invest in productive assets like irrigation, machinery, and livestock.
Support for Non-Farm Activities
- Loans can be used for non-farm sector activities such as small-scale industries, agro-processing, food processing, transport vehicles, and rural tourism.
- This promotes alternate employment opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.
Uninterrupted Credit Flow
- By supplementing cooperative resources, the scheme ensures increased and uninterrupted credit flow to farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
- This reduces dependence on informal moneylenders.
Diversification of Rural Economy
- The scheme encourages cooperatives to finance diversified activities beyond traditional crop loans.
- This includes dairy, poultry, fishery, sericulture, bio-gas, cold storages, and more.
Enhanced Institutional Capacity
- The scheme has enhanced institutional capacity of cooperatives, broadened their outreach, and reinforced their role in providing sustainable long-term credit.
Application Procedure of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
The application for the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana is an offline process managed through NCDC’s regional offices. Here is the detailed process:
Online Information Gathering
- Step 1: Visit the official NCDC website at ncdc.in.
- Step 2: Navigate to the “Schemes” or “Downloads” section.
- Step 3: Download the scheme guidelines PDF and application format from the website.
- Step 4: Read the eligibility criteria, funding pattern, and security requirements carefully.
- Step 5: Note the contact details of your nearest NCDC Regional Office or Sub-Office.
Offline Application Process
- Step 1: The cooperative society’s managing committee decides to apply for the scheme and passes a resolution.
- Step 2: Prepare a detailed project proposal including the purpose of the loan, amount required, repayment plan, and beneficiary details.
- Step 3: Collect all required documents (registration certificate, audited financial statements for last 3 years, net worth certificate, profit-loss statements, etc.).
- Step 4: Submit the application to the NCDC Regional Office covering your state, or route it through the State Government/UT Administration (Department of Cooperation).
- Step 5: NCDC evaluates the financial health, performance, and credibility of the cooperative through its standard appraisal and due diligence process.
- Step 6: NCDC sanctions the loan after verifying adequate security and project viability.
- Step 7: The loan is released in one or more installments after completing formalities and fulfilling terms stipulated in the sanction letter.
- Step 8: For direct funded loans, the cooperative pays a processing fee of 0.5% of the sanctioned amount (maximum ₹3 lakh) plus applicable GST.
Important Dates of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana operates on a continuous basis throughout the financial year. Here are the key timelines:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Launch | Financial Year 2022-23 |
| Application Acceptance | Open throughout the year |
| Financial Year Cycle | April 1 – March 31 |
| Project Appraisal Period | 1-3 months after application submission |
| Loan Sanction Timeline | 2-4 months after complete application |
| Loan Disbursement | In one or more installments as per sanction letter |
| Repayment Schedule | Half-yearly installments for direct loans; annual installments for State Government routed loans |
| Field Inspection | Periodic, as per NCDC monitoring schedule |
| Annual Review | Every financial year |
Note: There is no fixed application window. Cooperatives can apply anytime during the financial year. However, applying early in the financial year ensures timely appraisal and disbursement.
Documents Required to Apply for Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
Cooperatives must submit the following documents when applying for the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana:
- Registration Certificate – Proof of registration under the State/Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act.
- Bye-Laws Copy – Updated bye-laws of the cooperative society.
- Audited Financial Statements – For the last 3 years (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, Cash Flow Statement).
- Net Worth Certificate – Certified by a chartered accountant proving positive net worth.
- Share Capital Details – Proof that paid-up share capital has not eroded.
- Profitability Proof – Documents showing net profit in at least 2 of the last 3 years.
- No Cash Loss Declaration – Audited records proving no cash loss in the last 3 years.
- Board Resolution – Resolution passed by the managing committee authorizing the loan application.
- Project Report – Detailed report on the proposed use of funds, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes.
- Security Documents – Depending on the type of security offered:
- Government guarantee letter
- Bank guarantee from scheduled/nationalized bank
- Mortgage documents of fixed assets (value ≥ 1.5 times loan amount)
- Fixed Deposit Receipts (face value ≥ 1.1 times loan amount)
- Government bonds/securities (value ≥ 1.2 times loan amount)
- Loan Agreement Format – As per NCDC standard format.
- Demand Promissory Note – Standard format from NCDC.
- Post-Dated Cheques – If required by NCDC as additional security.
- KYC Documents – Of authorized signatories of the cooperative.
Status Check of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
Since the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana is an offline scheme for cooperatives, status checking is done through direct communication with NCDC. Here is how to check:
How to Check Application Status:
- Step 1: Contact your nearest NCDC Regional Office or Sub-Office where the application was submitted.
- Step 2: Provide your application reference number and cooperative registration number.
- Step 3: The NCDC officer will check the status in their internal system and inform you about the current stage.
- Step 4: For applications routed through State Government, contact the State Department of Cooperation for status updates.
- Step 5: NCDC conducts periodic field visits and inspections – cooperatives can inquire about inspection schedules and outcomes.
Monitoring and Follow-Up:
- NCDC actively monitors the implementation through its 19 Regional Offices and 9 Sub-Offices.
- Cooperatives receive regular communication about appraisal status, sanction decisions, and disbursement schedules.
- For loan accounts, NCDC provides statements showing principal outstanding, interest accrued, and repayment history.
Application Fee and Scheme Fee
The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana involves certain fees for direct-funded loans. Here are the details:
- Processing Fee: For direct funded loans, the cooperative must pay a processing fee of 0.5% of the sanctioned amount, subject to a maximum of ₹3 lakh.
- GST on Processing Fee: Applicable GST is charged on the processing fee as per prevailing rates at the time of payment.
- Legal Expenses: The borrower cooperative must bear all legal expenses incurred for the execution of security documents.
- No Fee for State Government Routed Loans: If the loan is routed through the State Government, the processing fee structure may differ or be waived as per mutual agreement.
- No Hidden Charges: NCDC does not charge any hidden or additional fees beyond the processing fee and legal expenses.
- Interest Rate: The interest rate is as per the NCDC circular prevailing at the time of disbursement. It is not a fixed rate and may vary based on market conditions and NCDC’s cost of funds.
Important Note: Cooperatives should ensure they receive a proper fee receipt from NCDC for all payments made. All fees are transparent and communicated in the sanction letter.
Latest Updates of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
Here are the most recent updates regarding the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana for 2026:
- ₹5,400.76 Crore Sanctioned: As of the financial year 2024-25, NCDC has sanctioned a total of ₹5,400.76 crore under the scheme across 5 implementing cooperative societies.
- ₹2,137 Crore Disbursed: Out of the sanctioned amount, ₹2,137 crore has already been disbursed to cooperatives for onward lending.
- Year-wise Breakdown:
- 2022-23: ₹400 crore sanctioned, ₹0 disbursed
- 2023-24: ₹0 sanctioned, ₹60 crore disbursed
- 2024-25: ₹5,000.76 crore sanctioned, ₹2,077 crore disbursed
- Parliamentary Disclosure (March 2026): The Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, provided detailed information about the scheme in a written reply in Lok Sabha, confirming its impact on strengthening agricultural credit cooperatives.
- Recovery Mechanism Strengthened: NCDC has clarified its structured recovery mechanism including legal recall notices, proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act (for dishonoured cheques), SARFAESI Act 2002 for NPAs, and Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) proceedings under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993.
- Monitoring Enhanced: NCDC is conducting periodic field visits and inspections through its regional and sub-offices to ensure proper utilization of funds and timely credit flow.
Selection Process of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
The selection and appraisal process for the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana is rigorous and transparent:
- Application Receipt: NCDC receives applications either directly from cooperatives or through State Governments/UT Administrations.
- Initial Screening: Applications are screened for completeness and basic eligibility (3-year operation, positive net worth, no cash loss, profitability).
- Financial Appraisal: NCDC evaluates the financial health, performance, and credibility of the cooperative through detailed analysis of audited statements.
- Project Viability Assessment: The proposed project is assessed for technical feasibility, economic viability, and alignment with NCDC’s mandate.
- Security Verification: NCDC verifies the adequacy of security offered (government guarantee, bank guarantee, mortgage, FDR, bonds).
- Due Diligence: Standard due diligence practices are followed including field verification and background checks.
- Sanction Committee Approval: The loan proposal is placed before NCDC’s sanction committee for approval.
- Sanction Letter Issuance: Once approved, a detailed sanction letter is issued specifying the loan amount, interest rate, tenure, repayment schedule, and conditions.
- Disbursement: The loan is released in installments after the cooperative fulfills all pre-disbursement conditions.
Common Mistakes While Applying
Cooperatives often make these mistakes which can delay or reject their application:
- Submitting incomplete financial statements – audited accounts for all 3 years must be provided.
- Not maintaining positive net worth – net worth must be at least 100% of paid-up share capital.
- Having cash losses in recent years – even one year of cash loss can disqualify the cooperative.
- Insufficient profitability – must show net profit in at least 2 of the last 3 years.
- Weak security offer – security value must meet NCDC’s minimum requirements (1.5x for mortgage, 1.1x for FDR, 1.2x for bonds).
- Unclear project proposal – the purpose and beneficiaries of the loan must be clearly defined.
- Missing board resolution – a formal resolution authorizing the loan application is mandatory.
- Not contacting the correct NCDC Regional Office – applications must be submitted to the office covering the respective state.
- Delaying security document execution – this slows down disbursement after sanction.
- Not budgeting for processing fee and legal expenses – these must be paid from cooperative funds.
Reasons for Application Rejection
Your cooperative’s application for the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana may get rejected due to the following reasons:
- Operational history less than 3 years – the cooperative is too new.
- Negative net worth or erosion in paid-up share capital.
- Cash loss incurred in any of the last 3 years.
- Net profit in fewer than 2 of the last 3 years.
- Inadequate security offered – does not meet NCDC’s minimum coverage requirements.
- Project not falling under NCDC’s purview – activities must be within NCDC’s mandate.
- Incomplete or incorrect application – missing documents or false information.
- Existing default with NCDC or other financial institutions.
- Poor repayment track record on previous loans.
- Cooperative not registered under a valid Cooperative Societies Act.
Portal of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana – How to Register and Login
The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana does not have a dedicated online application portal for cooperatives. However, information and resources are available through the NCDC website:
NCDC Official Website:
- Step 1: Visit ncdc.in.
- Step 2: Navigate to the “Schemes” or “Downloads” section.
- Step 3: Find “Deerghavadhi Krishak Punji Sahakar Yojana” or related scheme links.
- Step 4: Download the scheme guidelines, application formats, and other relevant documents.
- Step 5: Note the contact details of your nearest NCDC Regional Office for submission.
Grievance Redressal Process
If your cooperative faces any issue related to the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana, you can seek redressal through the following channels:
- NCDC Regional Office: First, contact the NCDC Regional Office where you submitted your application. Most issues are resolved at this level.
- NCDC Head Office: For escalated complaints, contact the Managing Director at NCDC Head Office, 4-Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016.
- Ministry of Cooperation: For policy-level grievances, approach the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
- State Department of Cooperation: If your application was routed through the State Government, contact the State Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
- Legal Recourse: In case of disputes regarding recovery or loan terms, cooperatives can approach the appropriate courts or tribunals as per the loan agreement.
When filing a grievance, always mention your cooperative’s registration number, application reference number, loan account number (if sanctioned), and contact details.
Renewal Process (if applicable)
The Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana does not have a traditional “renewal” process since each loan is sanctioned for a specific project and tenure. However, cooperatives should note:
- Fresh Application for New Loans: Once a loan is fully repaid, cooperatives can apply afresh for new long-term loans under the same scheme.
- Same Eligibility Criteria Apply: Fresh applications must meet the same 3-year operation, positive net worth, profitability, and no-loss criteria.
- Good Repayment Track Record: Cooperatives with excellent repayment history on previous NCDC loans may receive faster appraisal and preferential consideration.
- Updated Financial Documents: Fresh applications must include the latest audited financial statements.
- No Automatic Renewal: Each loan is independently appraised and sanctioned. There is no automatic top-up or renewal facility.
Important Links and PDFs of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| NCDC Official Website | ncdc.in |
| Scheme Guidelines PDF | ncdc.in/documents/upload/3210140923Scheme-4.pdf |
| NCDC Compendium of Schemes 2023-24 | ncdc.in/documents/booklet/2316150224Final-Compendium-2023-24.pdf |
| PIB Press Release (March 2026) | pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2241252 |
| Ministry of Cooperation | cooperation.gov.in |
| Parliamentary Document (Lok Sabha Q.3954) | sansad.in |
Contact and Information of Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana
For any queries or complaints related to the Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana, you can contact the following authorities:
NCDC Head Office:
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
- Address: 4, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110016, India
- Phone: 011-26569246, 011-26567475, 011-26567026
- Fax: 011-26961930, 011-26516032
- Email: md@ncdc.in
- Website: ncdc.in
NCDC Regional Offices:
- NCDC has 19 Regional Offices and 9 Sub-Offices across India.
- Contact details for each regional office are available on the NCDC website under the “Contact Us” section.
Ministry of Cooperation:
- Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India
- Address: Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi
- Website: cooperation.gov.in
Important Advice:
- Always contact your nearest NCDC Regional Office first for scheme-related queries.
- Keep your cooperative’s registration number, audited financial statements, and previous loan details handy when contacting NCDC.
- Ensure your cooperative maintains proper financial discipline to remain eligible for future assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana?
Ans. It is a long-term credit scheme launched by NCDC under the Ministry of Cooperation in 2022-23. It provides long-term loans to agricultural credit cooperatives (PACS, DCCBs, StCBs, etc.) for onward lending to farmers and rural entrepreneurs for agriculture, allied activities, and non-farm sector projects.
Q2. Who is eligible for Krishak Dirgh Awdhi Punji Sahakar Yojana?
Ans. Agricultural credit cooperatives that have been operational for at least 3 years, have positive net worth (no erosion in paid-up share capital), have not incurred cash loss in the last 3 years, and have net profit in at least 2 of the last 3 years.
Q3. How much loan can a cooperative get under this scheme?
Ans. NCDC provides up to 80% of the total requirement of the cooperative. The actual amount depends on the project size and other sources of finance available to the cooperative. So far, ₹5,400.76 crore has been sanctioned across 5 societies.
Q4. What is the loan tenure and interest rate?
Ans. The loan tenure is up to 5 years without any moratorium. The interest rate is as per the NCDC circular prevailing at the time of disbursement.
Q5. What is the repayment schedule?
Ans. For direct funded loans, repayment is in half-yearly installments. For loans routed through State Government, repayment is in annual installments.
Q6. What security is required for the loan?
Ans. Security can be government guarantee, bank guarantee from scheduled/nationalized banks, mortgage of fixed assets (value ≥ 1.5x loan), FDRs (face value ≥ 1.1x loan), or government bonds/securities (value ≥ 1.2x loan).
Q7. Is there any processing fee?
Ans. Yes, for direct funded loans, a processing fee of 0.5% of the sanctioned amount (maximum ₹3 lakh) plus GST is charged. The cooperative also bears legal expenses for security document execution.
Q8. How can a cooperative apply for this scheme?
Ans. Cooperatives can apply offline by submitting a detailed project proposal and required documents to the nearest NCDC Regional Office or through the State Government/UT Administration.
Q9. What activities are covered under the loan?
Ans. Farm sector activities include waste land development, irrigation, farm mechanization, horticulture, plantation crops, and land reclamation. Non-farm activities include dairy, poultry, fishery, agro-processing, food processing, transport vehicles, rural godowns, cold storages, small-scale industries, and more.
Q10. What happens if a cooperative defaults on repayment?
Ans. NCDC follows a structured recovery mechanism: legal recall notice, proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for dishonoured cheques, SARFAESI Act 2002 for NPAs, and Debt Recovery Tribunal proceedings under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993.