India is known for its agriculture. A large number of people in India are farmers. They work very hard in their fields to grow crops and feed the country. But many times, they face problems. These problems can be related to weather, seeds, pests, fertilizers, prices of crops, and many other things. Many farmers do not know how to find the right solution at the right time.
To help farmers with their questions and problems, the Government of India started a special service called Kisan Call Center (KCC). It is a free service that allows farmers to call and ask their questions. This service is available in many languages and is very easy to use.
What is Kisan Call Center (KCC)?
The Kisan Call Center (KCC) is a service started by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It was launched in January 2004 to help farmers by answering their questions over the phone. The main aim of this service is to give reliable and quick answers to farmers related to farming, animal husbandry, horticulture, irrigation, crop diseases, weather, seeds, fertilizers, and more.
Farmers can call the toll-free number 1800-180-1551 from any mobile or landline phone and talk to experts in their own language. This service is available all over India and works on all days of the week.
Why Was KCC Started?
Farming is a very challenging job. Farmers have to make many decisions every day, such as:
- What crop to grow?
- When to sow and harvest?
- Which seed or fertilizer is best?
- How to protect crops from pests and diseases?
- What is the expected weather?
Not every farmer has access to agricultural experts. Also, many farmers live in rural or remote areas where information takes time to reach. So, they needed a fast, simple, and trusted way to get help.
To solve this problem, the government launched the Kisan Call Center so that farmers could directly talk to experts and get answers quickly.
Also Read: PM-Kisan Credit Card Scheme 2025
How Does Kisan Call Center Work?
The working of the Kisan Call Center is quite simple. It has three levels to make sure the farmer gets the right answer.
Level 1 – Farm Tele Advisors (FTAs):
When a farmer calls the KCC number, their call goes to a Farm Tele Advisor. These are trained people who know a lot about farming and speak the local language of the farmers. They ask the farmer about their problem and try to give a suitable answer.
If the question is simple, they give the answer immediately.
Level 2 – Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs):
If the FTA cannot answer the question or if the question is very technical, the call is transferred to a Subject Matter Specialist. These are highly experienced and qualified experts in agriculture. They are available at different agricultural universities and institutions.
They give accurate and advanced answers to the farmer’s problem.
Level 3 – Feedback and Follow-up:
After the call, if the farmer wants a follow-up or needs more help, the information is sent to field officers or the District Agriculture Officer. They may contact the farmer again or visit them if needed.
Languages and Timings of Kisan Call Center
Kisan Call Center works in 22 Indian languages so that farmers from any part of the country can talk freely in their mother tongue. This includes languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia, Assamese, and more.
The KCC service is available every day from 6 AM to 10 PM, including holidays. Calls made outside these hours are recorded, and farmers get a callback the next day.
Benefits of Kisan Call Center
The KCC is a big help to farmers. Let’s look at its benefits:
1. Free of Cost: Farmers do not need to pay anything. The call is completely toll-free.
2. Instant Advice: Farmers get quick answers to their farming problems. This helps them take fast and correct decisions.
3. Available in Local Languages: Farmers can speak in their own mother tongue, which makes it easier for them to explain their problems.
4. Covers All Agricultural Topics: KCC answers questions about seeds, fertilizers, soil, irrigation, weather, pests, diseases, animal care, and more.
5. Trusted Experts: Farmers speak to real agricultural experts who give genuine and correct advice.
6. Better Farming Decisions: With correct advice, farmers can increase crop productivity, save costs, and earn more profits.
7. Bridges the Information Gap: It helps farmers in remote villages stay connected with new agricultural methods and technologies.
Who Can Use Kisan Call Center?
The Kisan Call Center is meant for:
- All Indian farmers – small, marginal, or big farmers.
- Farmers involved in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, etc.
- Even rural youth who are interested in farming or agri-business can call.
KCC and Technology Integration
In recent years, the Kisan Call Center has improved with the help of modern technology.
1. Caller ID and Database: Every call is recorded, and the details of the caller are saved. This helps in follow-up and building a farmers’ database.
2. SMS Alerts: Farmers receive SMS messages after the call with important advice and tips.
3. Mobile Apps: The KCC is also connected with apps like Kisan Suvidha App, which provides weather forecasts, mandi prices, and expert tips.
Challenges Faced by KCC
Even though the Kisan Call Center is a great initiative, there are a few challenges:
- Some farmers are still not aware of the service.
- In very remote areas, network issues can stop farmers from calling.
- Sometimes, there are delays in follow-up from field officers.
- The number of available experts may not be enough during peak seasons.
But the government is continuously working to improve the service.
Government Plans to Improve KCC
To make the Kisan Call Center better, the government is taking many steps:
- Spreading awareness through radio, TV, and village campaigns.
- Increasing the number of experts and staff at KCCs.
- Connecting KCC with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and ICAR institutes.
- Using AI and digital tools to make answers even more accurate.
- Sending recorded voice messages and videos to farmers via mobile phones.
Success Stories of Farmers
1. Ram Singh from Uttar Pradesh
Ram Singh, a small farmer, was facing a problem of yellow leaves in his wheat crop. He called KCC and was advised to check for nitrogen deficiency and apply urea, and he followed the advice, and his crop recovered well. He now calls KCC regularly.
2. Meena Devi from Bihar
Meena Devi had issues with her goats falling sick. She called KCC and got advice from an animal husbandry expert. She gave the right medicine and saved her livestock.
These stories show that KCC is truly making a difference in the lives of farmers.
Conclusion
The Kisan Call Center (KCC) is more than just a helpline. It is a lifeline for farmers. In a country like India, where agriculture is the backbone, helping farmers with the right information at the right time can change their lives.
With easy access, local languages, and expert advice, KCC is making sure that no farmer feels alone in their struggle. It empowers them to make better decisions and lead a better life.
If you are a farmer or know someone who is, share the KCC number 1800-180-1551. A simple call can bring great change.