In India, 11 crore unique farmer IDs were issued ahead of schedule

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the creation of 11 crore unique 11-digit farmer identification numbers, known as Kisan Pehchaan Patra, has been completed under the AgriStack framework five months ahead of the scheduled deadline of March 2027. This milestone was achieved on the night of October 23, as the minister stated in a video message.

The issuance of these identification numbers is being implemented as part of the Digital Agriculture Mission. The farmer identity card is designed to guarantee transparency and timely delivery of benefits from government schemes directly to the intended recipients. As the head of the department noted, agricultural producers will no longer need to gather stacks of documents or provide endless paperwork.

It is expected that the new ID will become the sole document required for farmers to obtain bank loans, arrange crop insurance, receive disaster relief, and also market their harvest. Chouhan expressed gratitude to the workers and officials of the Central and state governments, as well as the Union Territory and district administrations, for the work accomplished. Addressing the agricultural producers, he pointed out that they now possess their own unique identity and urged them to take advantage of government support in a timely manner and adopt technologies in their practice.