2,66,615 farmers given agricultural loans

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 14: As many as 32 fincial institutions – 21 public sector banks, nine private sector banks and two State rural banks – have been extending loans to registered farmers in Assam.

This came to light when State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora was replying to a question from BJP MLA Mril Saikia on the floor of the State Assembly on Wednesday.

The reply given in the House by the minister based on information fed by the Economic and Statistics Department has revealed that 18.94 lakh of the 31.38 lakh farmers of the State have got Kishan Credit Cards (KCCs). The minister further told the House the 2,66,615 farmers of the State were given agricultural loans.

According to the minister, credits camps are held in the State in every December and January for disbursal of loans. Only registered farmers can avail such loans.  The State Agriculture Department, according to the minister, plays the role of a facilitator.