Tura, July 3: The need for transformation of rural livelihood through credit system was elaborately discussed at an awareness programme in Tura.
At least 500 participants from different rural areas, comprising self help groups (SHGs) attended the daylong session, which was addressed by officials from NABARD, agriculture and horticulture department.
The different session focussed on the “Kisan credit card” (KCC) scheme, which can benefit the poor rural farmers.
Different speakers highlighted on the farm credit package and proper use of agrarian land. It also highlighted on bank linkage for availing loan under the Kisan credit card, which is easy and hassle free.
Though the KCC scheme has garnered much needed attention among farmers in different parts of rural India, the figure in Garo hills is not encouraging so far.
There are few success stories on KCC scheme in Garo hills.
“The scheme is for the rural people. It should be availed with right approach, so that at the end of the year, the beneficiary could repay the loan”, said a speaker.
“The KCC scheme has facilitated flexible, easy and timely credit delivery to farmers. KCC can be used to avail crop loans, term loans and consumption loans”, said a NABARD official.
The meeting also highlighted that the KCC improved the farmers’ accessibility to bank credit, simplified credit delivery procedures and provided more flexibility in use of credit.
“Some areas of concern remain to be addressed like low level of awareness among farmers with reference to the right use of KCC”, said Anjeli Rangsa Marak, an official of West Garo Hills Community Resource Management Society.
Marak has been mobilizing formation of SHGs under the project of Ministry of DoNER.
“There is low level of awareness on KCC. So we have brought together the SHGs from different rural areas of West Garo Hills to enlighten them about the scheme”, said Marak.
Elaborating that farmers have a misconception to approach bank as they are worried about lengthy procedure, she said, “The whole idea of this programme is to sensitise the farmers to take up best agricultural practice and increase their production by availing loan through KCC, which can enhance their livelihood”. (SP News)
