Srinagar, Nov 17: Chief general manager NABARD-J&K, M L Sukhdeve today expressed his concern over the “poor performance” of banks in the state in credit delivery, especially under agriculture sector. 
 Speaking at a day-long business development meet on micro finance, non-farm sector and financial inclusion at JK Bank conference hall here today, the CGM presented the economic development scenario of the state in general and Kashmir in particular.
 While comparing all India credit scenario with that of J&K Sukhdeve expressed his concern over the poor performance of banks in credit delivery especially under agriculture sector in J&K. 
 The Nati onal Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development organized the meet for the bankers of Kashmir, which among others was attended by Vevaik Srivastva, AGM, RBI, Senior President Ajeet Singh and Vice Presidents of JK Bank.  Besides, 28 participants including senior executives of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and State Cooperative Banks participated in the meeting.
 He said that banks have always played very important role in the development of various sector of economy and advised them to take proactive role in the development of J&K which needs a different and a special treatment.
 While discussing credit delivery under the agriculture sector he said the performance of banks under crop loan has been very poor and Kissan Credit Card scheme is yet to pick up in state as well as in the Kashmir valley which deprives the farmers from hassle free credit facility from the banking institutions.
 He said the credit subvention scheme also has not picked up in the state.  “The microfinance programme also has not picked up in the state whereas in other parts of the country this programme has played a very important role in financial inclusion vis-a-vis empowerment of rural poor especially the rural poor women.”
 He advised bankers to take active part in the Financial Inclusion Programme and extend financial services to those who have not yet been reached.
 During the course of meet, various issues/constraints were discussed/raised by the participants which were addressed by the panel.
 While making the strategies for the development, CGM NABARD explained that the formation of Farmers Clubs, SHG-Bank Linkage, Issuance of Kisan Credit Cards and involvement of NGOs, Business Correspondents, Business Facilitator will be very effective.
 The participants appreciated the initiative taken by NABARD for convening the meet which would go long way to implement various schemes of the Government of India, RBI and banks.
 He said the NABARD would be organizing awareness programmes as desired by the participants.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST