- e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi was launched on 4 March 2024 by the Government of India.
- Farmers can obtain post-harvest loans of up to ₹75 lakh against eligible e-NWRs.
- The scheme helps farmers avoid distress sales by providing access to credit against stored agricultural produce.
- Eligible small and marginal KCC farmers may get loans at 7% interest per annum, subject to Government conditions.
- Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)
- Registration-Related Queries: 011-49092987, 011-44789495
- General Queries: 011-49092978
- Email: support-wdra@nic.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi (e-KUN) |
| Launch Year | 2024 |
| Benefits | Post-harvest loans up to ₹75 lakh against e-NWRs |
| Beneficiary | Farmers storing produce in WDRA-registered warehouses |
| Nodal Agency | Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Online through JanSamarth Portal |
e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi: Post-Harvest Loans of Up to ₹75 Lakh Against Your Stored Produce
Many farmers have to sell right after harvest, even when prices are low, because they need cash. e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi (e-KUN) lets them store produce in a registered warehouse and borrow against it instead, so they can wait for a better price. Loans go up to ₹75 lakh, and eligible small and marginal KCC farmers can get 7% interest on smaller loans.
This is a loan platform, not a grant. The bank lends the money and makes the final decision. e-KUN doesn’t pay farmers anything directly, and registering or getting in-principle approval doesn’t guarantee a loan.
What is the scheme?
The Government of India launched e-KUN on 4 March 2024. It is a digital gateway that lets farmers pledge an electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) for produce stored in a WDRA-registered warehouse and get a post-harvest loan from a bank. The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) implements it, and it was developed with the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the Department of Financial Services and NABARD. It is integrated with the JanSamarth Portal, where farmers compare offers from participating banks.
Scheme at a glance
| Benefit | Post-harvest loans of up to ₹75 lakh against e-NWRs |
| Who can apply | Farmers with produce stored in WDRA-registered warehouses and a valid e-NWR |
| Nodal agency | WDRA |
| Mode of application | Online, via the JanSamarth portal |
| WDRA general queries | 011-49092978 |
| support-wdra@nic.in |
Loan terms
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | Up to ₹75 lakh, subject to the bank’s assessment |
| Amount against produce | Generally up to 75% of the assessed value (usual margin 25%, varies by bank) |
| Interest rate | Varies by bank, amount, tenure and any Government interest subvention |
| Maximum tenure | Up to 12 months, linked to the commodity’s shelf life and the e-NWR’s validity |
| Security | The pledged e-NWR, generally with no extra collateral |
The 7% rate: Eligible small and marginal farmers with a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) can get 7% a year on eligible loans of up to ₹3 lakh for up to six months, subject to Government interest subvention conditions. It doesn’t apply to every applicant or loan.
Key benefits
- Avoid distress sales. Get funds without selling right away.
- Compare offers from participating banks on amount and interest rate before choosing.
- Less paperwork, thanks to digital verification and data sharing.
- Existing KCC borrowers can apply. Their outstanding production loan is adjusted from the sanctioned e-NWR loan.
- Regulated storage in WDRA-registered warehouses.
How it works
- Store your produce in a WDRA-registered warehouse.
- Get an e-NWR. The warehouse arranges it through an authorised repository, NERL or CCRL.
- Register on e-KUN through the JanSamarth portal using your repository account details.
- Verification. The platform checks your details through integrated databases, including UIDAI, CBDT and the repository, and may check credit information.
- Compare bank offers.
- Select a bank and apply. You may get digital in-principle approval.
- The bank does its due diligence. You may need to visit the branch.
- Sanction and disbursal. The e-NWR is pledged and the money goes to your account.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a farmer with produce stored in a WDRA-registered warehouse.
- You must have a valid e-NWR from NERL or CCRL, and your repository account details.
- The commodity must be on WDRA’s notified commodity list.
- You must meet the selected bank’s lending and documentation requirements.
- KCC is not mandatory. Farmers with an existing KCC loan can apply, with the outstanding amount adjusted.
Documents and details
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card, where required
- Valid e-NWR
- Repository account details (NERL or CCRL)
- Mobile number linked to your repository account
- Bank account details for disbursal
- KCC details, if applicable
- Anything else the bank asks for
How to apply
- Before depositing, check the WDRA website for a registered warehouse that accepts your commodity, and open a repository account with NERL or CCRL. Confirm the warehouse’s procedure and charges.
- Deposit your produce. The warehouse checks quantity and quality, and an authorised assayer grades it.
- Receive your e-NWR through the repository.
- Open the JanSamarth portal, go to e-NWR Financing and select e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi.
- Register with your repository details and keep your registered mobile handy.
- After verification, view the offers from participating banks.
- Select a bank and submit the application.
- Complete the bank’s checks and any branch formalities to receive the loan.
Things to know before you apply
- Not every warehouse accepts every commodity, so confirm first and check storage charges.
- ₹75 lakh is a ceiling, not a guaranteed amount.
- There is no Government-prescribed minimum CIBIL score to register, but individual banks may check your credit history.
- Keep the repayment conditions and the process for releasing the pledged e-NWR in mind.
e-KUN vs CGS-NPF
| e-KUN | Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Helps farmers apply for loans against e-NWRs | Gives credit guarantee cover to lenders |
| Launched | 4 March 2024 | 16 December 2024 |
| Run by | WDRA | Department of Food and Public Distribution, with NCGTC as trustee |
| Who benefits | Farmers | Eligible borrowers, including farmers, MSMEs, traders, FPOs and cooperatives, through lenders |
| Support | Facilitates loans up to ₹75 lakh | Guarantee for agricultural loans up to ₹75 lakh and non-agricultural loans up to ₹2 crore |
They complement each other but are different programmes.
Related schemes
- Kisan Credit Card Scheme: short-term agricultural credit
- e-NAM: an online platform for selling produce
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): for warehouses, cold storage and processing units
Need help?
- WDRA registration queries: 011-49092987, 011-44789495
- General queries: 011-49092978
- Email: support-wdra@nic.in
- Address: 4th Floor, NCUI Building, 3 Siri Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days
- For loan questions, contact the bank you select.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum loan?
Up to ₹75 lakh, subject to the bank’s assessment.
What is the interest rate?
It varies by bank. Eligible small and marginal KCC farmers can get 7% on loans up to ₹3 lakh for up to six months.
Is a KCC mandatory?
No.
Is there a minimum CIBIL score?
None is prescribed by the Government. Banks may check credit history.
What is the maximum repayment period?
Up to 12 months.
Does it give direct financial assistance?
No. It is a loan facilitation platform, and the bank provides the loan.