The State Government has expressed its desire to avail larger assistance from the regional office of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) for rural infrastructure creation, especially in the rural health sector.
This wish was conveyed by the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, to the Chief General Manager of Nabard, Mr K. C. Shashidhar, when the latter called on him on Tuesday.
Mr Shashidhar was accompanied by Mr S. N. A. Jinnah, General Manager, and other senior officials. The ensuing talks discussed areas of cooperation.
An official spokesperson said here that the Chief Minister highlighted the close association between the State Government and Nabard in rural infrastructure creation and development banking.
Mr Shashidhar briefed the Chief Minister on the annual financial assistance of Rs 3,000 crore made available to the State by Nabard in the form of investment credit and production credit support, and in Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) support.
Mr Shashidhar sought the support of the State Government in furthering financial inclusion drive and ensuring 100 per cent coverage of farmers under Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for sourcing hassle-free and timely credit.
He also highlighted the nurturing of the joint liability group movement in the State by Nabard for microcredit. This will benefit poor farmers and artisans.
The Chief Minister was updated on the watershed development and livelihood initiatives in the agrarian districts of Wayanad, Palakkad and Kasaragod districts.
Mr Shashidhar sought the support of the State Government in facilitating the shift on the field from inorganic to organic farming.
The Nabard chief requested the Chief Minister to consider taking up with the Government of India the issue relating to acceptance of Vaidyanathan Committee recommendations.