Speaking to Deccan Herald at the Rashtriya Krishi Mela organised at the Gandhi Krishi Vignyan Kendra (GKVK), Nabard’s Chief General Manager (Karnataka Region) S N A Jinnah said there are 68 lakh farmers in the State. However, so far only 32 lakh farmers have got Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
The Nabard wants all the 68 lakh farmers to avail KCCs. A farmer can secure hassle-free loan up to Rs 3 lakh with the KCC. The bank also aims to launch ‘Credit Plus’ scheme to demonstrate lending methodology to farmers, he said.
“We are aware that nearly two-thirds of cultivable land in the State is rain-fed. Hence, the bank launched a project to bring at least 1.86 hectare under the watershed programme,” said Jinnah.
Stating that micro-financing is another focus area of the bank, Jinnah said: “The State has as many as 6.3 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which have been working in the field of micro-financing. We want to increase the number of SHGs.” The bank is also working on the concept of Joint Liability Group, under which higher amount of credit can be given to small and marginal farmers, added Jinnah.