Date:21/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/21/stories/2005052101370600.htm

Back Union Bank agri-clinics scheme

Our Bureau

MUMBAI: Union Bank of India has launched a scheme under which it will finance agricultural graduates to set up agri-clinics in the rural areas. These clinics will provide expert services to farmers on cropping practices, technology dissemination, crop protection, market trends, market prices of crop produce and soil testing, according to a bank press release.

The clinics will help enhance the productivity of crops and animals.

In the financial year 2005-04, Union Bank of India extended credit of Rs 259 lakh to 70 agri-clinics. The bank's total agriculture advance was Rs 6,161 crore as on March 2005, which is 16.27 per cent of the net bank credit.