Date:15/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/03/15/stories/2006031504270600.htm

Back Andhra Bank plans ATM kisan cards

C.R. Sukumar

MR K. RAMAKRISHNAN

Hyderabad , March 14

Don't be surprised if you see farmers withdrawing crop loans through automated teller machines (ATMs). This is going to be a reality soon if Andhra Bank has its way.

The bank is planning to issue ATM compatible Kisan Cards to all the 4-lakh odd eligible crop loan borrowers across the country covered under its network.

"Andhra Bank takes a step forward in bringing the technology to farmers. The Pattabhi Agri Card (PAC), a cash credit facility for crop loans, could soon have access to ATMs. Towards this, we are going to issue Kisan Vikas Cards to all our crop loan borrowers across the country," the Andhra Bank Chairman and Managing Director, Mr K. Ramakrishnan, told Business Line.

According to him, the bank branches would decide the cash withdrawal limits on the Kisan Cards to each eligible farmer depending upon the cultivable land in possession, cropping pattern and scales of finance in force. The card with a validity period of three years would be issued free of charge. It would also carry a compulsory insurance cover under personal accident insurance scheme at a highly nominal premium.