Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVG Bank), a Dharwad-based regional rural bank, has covered 5,000 fresh farmers through its aggressive campaigns.

Speaking after opening the bank’s stall at the Krishimela-2013 being held at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, C Sambasiva Reddy, chairman KVG Bank said “Towards reaching every farmers with agriculture related loan, KVG Bank is already on the field and officials of the bank have covered most of the uncovered villages by conducting Gramasabas.”

Krishimela is a major annual event in north Karnataka and KVG Bank is giving more importance towards improving the agricultural scenario and farmers have been supported to opt for mechanized technologies to get better yields.

Reddy said “at the last year’s Krishimela more than three lakh farmers visited bank’s stall and this year we expect to cross that figure. Arrangements are made to provide information of all bank products in the stall itself.”

KVG Bank chairman said during 2012-13 has disbursed crop loans to the extent of Rs 1540.96 crore as against Rs 1,291.73 crore during previous year. As for agri lending, it has disbursed Rs 1,810.53 crore towards agricultural activities as against Rs 1,533.59 crore during previous year.

During the year, the bank had issued 1.64 lakh credit cards (both fresh and renewals) against a target of two lakh cards, by disbursing Rs 1,540.96 crore. Term loans of Rs 14.65 crore have been disbursed under Kisan Samruddhi Credit Card to the card holders as composite loan. Presently, the Bank has 583 Farmers’ Clubs operating in its area of operation.

Sudhir Chandakkar GM KVGB, M S Patil, M C Patil Marketing Manager Ullas Gunaga and others were present.

anil.u@thehindu.co.in