Tamil Nadu

Loans disbursed to farmers

New initiative: Periakulam MP J.M. Haroon, third from left, and Special Representative in New Delhi P. Selvendran, second from left, presenting a cheque to SHGs at a loan mela in Chinnamanur on Tuesday.

THENI: For the first time, all major nationalised banks and cooperative banks have jointly disbursed agriculture loans to the tune of Rs.5.11 crore to 942 beneficiaries, mostly farmers in a one-day mega loan mela held at Chinnamanur on Tuesday.

Canara Bank and District Central Cooperative Bank offered Rs.2.39 crore, lion’s share of the total disbursement.

Canara Bank disbursed Rs.1.39 crore including Rs.80 lakh by Cumbum branch and Rs.40 lakh by Theni branch, and Central Cooperative bank chipped in Rs.1 crore.

Collector Har Sahay Meena said top priority was given for crop loans, mostly for maize and sugarcane, and equal importance for minor irrigation projects, particularly for drip irrigation.

Farmers who sought loan for land development and farm mechanisation were also entertained. Funds were also given to set up poultry units.

A sizable amount was given to self-help group members for establishing dairy farms and purchase of milching animals.

A total of 8,318 groups out of total 8,985 SHGs in the district were graded to avail micro credit, he added. In 2008-09, Rs.805.28 crore would be disbursed including Rs.525.71 crore for agriculture and other allied sector. Permission was granted to disburse subsidy of Rs.16.8 lakh for drip irrigation for coconut and sugarcane.

Proposals had been sent to develop 50 acres including 25 acres of dry lands in five places under special land development scheme and to develop twelve watersheds. Mr. Meena advised farmers to insure their crop to off set the loss due to natural calamities.

Periakulam MP J.M. Haroon and Special Representative for Tamil Nadu in New Delhi P. Selvendran disbursed the loan to beneficiaries.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu