Initiative Name: Kisan Call Centre (KCC)
🏛️ Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
🗓️ Launched On: 21 January 2004
⚙️ Implemented By:
MANAGE (National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management), Hyderabad
under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW).
🌾 Overview
The Kisan Call Centre (KCC) is a toll-free agricultural helpline (1800-180-1551) launched by the Government of India to provide timely, reliable, and region-specific advice to farmers across the country.
Through KCC, farmers can call and speak directly to qualified agriculture graduates and experts in their local language to get solutions to crop-related, livestock, weather, market, and government scheme queries.
This initiative bridges the information gap between farmers and agricultural institutions, ensuring that even farmers in remote areas can access expert guidance through a simple phone call.
🎯 Objective
- To provide instant, accurate, and personalized advice to farmers.
- To make expert agricultural information accessible 24×7 across India.
- To promote adoption of best farming practices and government schemes.
- To strengthen the link between farmers, research institutions, and extension systems.
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Number | 1800-180-1551 |
| Working Hours | 24×7 |
| Languages | 22 regional languages |
| Implemented By | MANAGE, Hyderabad |
| Managed Under | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Year of Launch | 2004 |
| Target Group | Farmers and agri-entrepreneurs |
Beneficiaries
- Small and marginal farmers
- Women farmers and rural youth
- Livestock and fisheries owners
- Agricultural entrepreneurs and extension workers
Coverage
- Operational in all States and Union Territories.
- 22 regional languages supported to ensure inclusivity.
- Over 700+ experts and 450+ call centre agents across India.
How It Works
- The farmer dials 1800-180-1551 from any phone.
- The call automatically routes to the nearest regional KCC based on caller ID.
- The KCC Agent (agriculture graduate) listens and provides solutions.
- If the query is complex, it is escalated to a Subject Matter Expert.
- Feedback is recorded and stored in the mKisan Portal database for analysis.
Digital Integration
KCC is now integrated with the mKisan Portal, Kisan Suvidha App, and Farmer Portal — enabling farmers to receive SMS-based advisories, weather alerts, and follow-up messages after their calls.
Impact & Achievements
- Over 25 million+ calls handled since inception.
- Information delivery rate above 90%.
- Farmers report higher yields and reduced losses due to timely advice.
- Strengthened digital inclusion in agriculture and improved scheme awareness.
Services Provided
- Crop advisory: Sowing, irrigation, pest control, fertilizer management.
- Weather information: Local forecasts and crop-specific advisories.
- Government schemes: PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PKVY, and others.
- Market rates: Mandi prices and procurement details.
- Animal husbandry and fisheries: Feed, breeding, and disease management.
- Horticulture guidance: For fruits, vegetables, and floriculture.
- Soil health and fertilizer usage: Linking with Soil Health Card Scheme.
- Post-harvest management and storage advice.
Related Initiatives
- mKisan Portal
- Soil Health Card Scheme
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA)
- Digital Agriculture Mission
Helpline Details
- Toll-Free Number: 📞 1800-180-1551
- vailability: 24×7 (All days of the week)
- Languages Supported: 22 Indian languages
- Call Charges: Free of cost for all farmers
- Level of Support:
- Level 1: Call answered by Agriculture Graduate (Kisan Call Centre Agent)
- Level 2: Escalation to Subject Matter Specialist if needed
- Level 3: Expert advice from the concerned State Department / Research Institution
Feedback & Grievances
- Farmers can provide feedback directly during or after the call.
- Unresolved cases are tracked and followed up by state agriculture departments.
- Complaints can be raised through mKisan Portal → Feedback section.
Who’s Who
| Designation | Name / Institution | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Overall policy leadership and monitoring |
| Minister of State (Agriculture) | Shri Ramnath Thakur, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary | Oversight and regional coordination |
| Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) | Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS | Administrative supervision of KCC |
| DG, MANAGE (Hyderabad) | Dr. P. Chandra Shekara | Technical implementation and training |
| Joint Secretary (Extension) | Dr. Himanshu Pathak | Coordination with state departments and extension systems |
| State Directors of Agriculture | Various States | Monitoring regional call centre operations |
| KCC Agents & Specialists | Agriculture Graduates & Experts | Field-level and technical response team |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1️⃣ What is Kisan Call Centre (KCC)?
KCC is a 24×7 toll-free helpline where farmers can call 1800-180-1551 to get expert advice on agriculture and allied activities.
2️⃣ Who can use the Kisan Call Centre?
Any farmer, livestock owner, or person involved in agriculture across India can call for free.
3️⃣ What kind of questions can I ask?
You can ask about crop cultivation, pest management, fertilizers, weather, livestock care, government schemes, and market prices.
4️⃣ Is the Kisan Call Centre free of cost?
Yes, the service is completely free for all callers.
5️⃣ What are the working hours of KCC?
The KCC operates 24×7, including weekends and holidays.
6️⃣ In how many languages can I speak?
KCC provides assistance in 22 regional languages across India.
7️⃣ Who answers the calls?
Trained agriculture graduates answer your questions, and complex queries are escalated to Subject Matter Specialists.
8️⃣ Can I get updates via SMS?
Yes, once you call KCC, you may receive SMS follow-ups or weather alerts through mKisan Portal.
9️⃣ Where are the call centres located?
KCCs are located across different states, managed regionally under MANAGE, Hyderabad supervision.
🔟 How can I give feedback or complaint?
You can share feedback during the call or submit it online at mkisan.gov.in/feedback