(a) whether there had been any proposal to provide loan facility to farmers under
`Farmers Credit Card Scheme` as per the declaration made in the Union Budget of 1998-99; and
(b) if so, the number of card holders and amount of loan sanctioned under `Farmers
Credit Scheme` by Regional Rural Banks during 1998-99, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI V. DHANANJAYA KUMAR) :
(a) In pursuance of the announcement made in the Union Budget for the year 1998-99, public
sector banks, regional rural banks and cooperative banks in the country have introduced
the Kisan Credit Card Scheme under which credit cards are being issued to eligible farmes
to meet their financial obligations in purchase of agricultural inputs such as seeds,
fertilizers, pesticides, etc. and also draw cash for their production needs.
(b) As reported by National Bank for agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), 121834
Kisan Credit Cards have been issued by 155 Regional Rural Banks and the amount of loan
sanctioned was Rs. 270.51 crores as on 31st December, 1999 (latest available). The State-wise
details are given in the Statement enclosed.