Date:10/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/10/stories/2005051000361700.htm

Back Banks to take part in Krishi Mahotsav

Gaurav Raghuvanshi

"The State Government's efforts to issue four lakh more kisan credit cards through different banks would improve the farmers' access to credit."

Ahmedabad , May 9

BANKS are using the `Krishi Mahotsav 2005' (agricultural festival) as a forum to expand their clientele.

The Gujarat Government is set to launch the month-long festival to introduce to farmers modern technology and methods of cultivation.

While the event will officially kick off on Wednesday, the Chief Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, is attending four rallies this week in which the 229 `Kisan Raths' will be flagged off to cover every village across the State.

"We are trying to identify potential new customers through the exercise. We have asked officials to participate in the event and help out the commercial banks in appraisal of loan applications. Our officers will also be present to give information where required," says Mr Bhawar Puri, Chief General Manager (Gujarat) of Nabard.

A senior Government official said: "The idea behind the festival is to bring the Government closer to the people and make them aware of the different schemes available. Plus, the entire Government machinery will be represented at the events and the farmers can update themselves on the latest technology, suitable crops and even finance options". Officials will be available for consultation and to make representations, he said.

The State Government is aiming to visit 18,000 villages, cover one lakh hectares of land under drip irrigation, build at least one small bund in each village (18,000 in all), construct 4,000 village ponds, distribute four lakh kisan credit cards and form at least 1,400 self- help groups.

The Mahotsav is not without its critics either. While the State Government has not declared how much will be spent on the month-long festival, the opposition Congress has described the event as a "political jamboree to project Mr Modi".

The Gujarat Khedut Sangharsh Samiti, which claims to represent the largest section of farmers in the State, is opposing the festival. Even the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh has distanced itself from the event, although the Sangh Parivar outfit did not openly criticise the festival.

"The claims need to be examined to see how much translates into real action. At any rate, most of the works announced under the Krishi Mahotsav are ongoing projects, so why make a song and dance about it," said a Gujarat Khedut Sangharsh Samiti office bearer.

Gujarat has between 35-37 lakh farmers with land holdings, although the number of kisan credit cards given out is about 17 lakh.

Mr Puri said that the State Government's efforts to issue another four lakh kisan credit cards through different banks would improve the farmers' access to credit.

"We are actively participating in the event because 80 per cent of the agricultural credit is sanctioned during the ensuing kharif season in the State. For us, it is an opportunity to expand our clientele in order to achieve the credit doubling targets set upon us by the Finance Ministry," Mr Puri added.