(a) whether National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is making all
out efforts to improve and strengthen the irrigation sector by gearing up to meet minor
irrigation needs at a reduced rate of interest on refinance for all agencies, especially
in Andhra Pradesh; and
(b) if so, the comparative details in this regard for the last three years, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b) : Minor Irrigation has always been a thrust area for the National Bank for
Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD). Minor Irrigation is one of the key sectors
for which refinance is extended to banks by NABARD. The overall refinance extended to
banks for Minor Irrigation projects in the country by NABARD during the last three years
is given as under:
S.No. Year Amount (Rs. crore)
1 2007-08 403.68
2 2008-09 545.85
3 2009-10 125.52 (As on 31 Oct. 2009)
NABARD’s rate of refinance for all purposes including Minor Irrigation, is given as under:
Agency for W.e.f. all regions 03 November 09
Commercial Banks 8%(North East-7.5%)
RRBs/SCBs/SCARDBs 7.5%