BARD disburses Rs 731.23 crore to Assam

GUWAHATI, April 28: Rs 731.23 crore has been disbursed to Assam during 2015-16 as indicated by S tarajan, Chief General Mager, BARD, Assam Regiol Office.

Emphasising its support to creation of rural infrastructure, BARD sanctioned Rs 602.36 crore to the State Government and released Rs 394.06 crore, the highest ever disbursement under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund till date in Assam. Agri Infrastructure was the focus area with major share of 65% followed by rural connectivity at 35%.

Under refince, BARD disbursed Rs 65.94 crore to State Cooperative Bank and RRBs towards Short Term Seasol Agricultural Operations.  To promote capital formation in agriculture, refince of Rs 204.77 crore was released under Investment Credit. RGVN [NBFC] and AXIS Bank were extended refince of Rs 38.61 crore for the first time in Assam. Banking Plans were prepared for Dairy in 17 districts and Piggery Development in one district to enhance bank credit flow to these sectors.

Under New Business Initiatives, BARD has sanctioned Rs 11 lakh to Bholaguri Satra Samabai Samitee Ltd, PACS from gaon for on lending to member SHGs for taking up farm and non-farm activities.  Another PACS from lbari – Pub Upper Barbhag Bahumukhi Samabay Samitee Ltd., has been supported with Rs 12 lakh to set up a Rice & Spice Mill.

To provide exposure to new technological interventions, BARD organised 20 Capacity Building for Adoption of Technology (CAT) exposure visits to 505 members of Farmers Clubs. This was stated in a press release.