The Hindu Business Line : Nabard credit plan for Idukki released

A CREDIT potential of Rs 523 crore has been mooted by the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) for Idukki district during the financial year 2004-05.

The Potential linked Credit Plan (PLP), prepared by Nabard and released by the Idukki District Collector, has assessed the credit potential in various areas such as agriculture and allied activities, small-scale industries and trade and service sector.

The need for a proper assessment of the tourism promotion sector in the district has also been suggested in the plan report.

According to the PLP report, agriculture alone has a credit potential of Rs 232 crore, including Rs 166 crore for crop loan and Rs 66 crore for investment activities under agricultural and allied activities. The SSI sector has a potential of Rs 37 crore with Rs 253 crore for the trade and services sector. As the expected credit flow during this period is likely to be only Rs 515 crore, the plan has pointed out a credit gap of Rs 8 crore.

The plan report has suggested introduction of effective mechanism with proper infrastructure support for the procurement and marketing of agricultural products such as rubber, pepper, cardamom, coffee etc.

The inability of a number of farmers to avail themselves of bank credit in the absence of `pattas' or title deeds is pointed out to be a major constraint in distributing loans along with the lack of storage facilities for perishable commodities such as vegetables and fruits. The report has suggested popularising the use of mechanised farm equipment such as sprayers and tillers to maximise agricultural production.

One of the areas identified as the potential sector in the Idukki district is animal husbandry, which includes activities such as poultry farming, rearing of sheep, goats, pigs and rabbits on commercial lines with diversified activities of feed mix and cold storage units.

Inadequate number of training centres to create awareness among farmers and poor staff strength in veterinary institutions are pointed out as setbacks to this sector's development.

Equipping and encouraging the local youth to undertake the new ventures in business and production enterprises are part of the suggestions in the report.

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