M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), held a review meeting on the progress of credit disbursement to agri-allied sectors, including animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries. The meeting was attended by representatives from Public Sector Banks (PSBs), NABARD, and the State/UT Level Bankers’ Committee, as well as officials from the Departments of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Fisheries.
During the review, Secretary Nagaraju urged PSBs to take all necessary steps to meet their credit disbursement targets for the current financial year. He also emphasized the need for State Governments to support banks in improving the flow of credit to these crucial sectors.
Highlighting the importance of the agri-allied sectors in promoting agricultural growth and creating rural employment, Nagaraju pointed out the regional disparities in credit distribution within these sectors. He directed banks to conduct regional assessments and meetings to ensure a more balanced distribution of credit, noting that every region has significant potential in allied activities.
Additionally, the DFS Secretary instructed NABARD to collaborate with state line departments and Lead District Managers (LDMs) to identify fish farmers and help them benefit from the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
Nagaraju reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to providing seamless access to affordable credit for the allied sectors and called on all stakeholders to take proactive steps to increase credit flow to these vital areas.
