The Hindu Business Line : AP CM promises to double loans to women's groups

THE State Government is keen on improving the lot of rural women and for that purpose it will make the necessary arrangements to double the loans from commercial banks to the development of women and children in rural areas (DWCRA) groups during the current fiscal, according to the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

He was addressing a convention of farmers after inaugurating the mango market yard on Friday.

Dr Reddy said that in 2004-05 these groups were lent a total of Rs 1,250 crore, with each mandal getting roughly Rs 1 crore.

"There are 1,100 mandals in the State. It is our aim to hike the loans from commercial banks to Rs 2 crore for the groups in each mandal, with the interest rate being three per cent," he said.

"The State Government will subsidise the rest of the interest and the soft loans will enable the rural women to take up income-generating activities. That is true empowerment of the womenfolk."

The Chief Minister also said that such a step was necessary since the average agricultural holding size was hardly 3-4 acres.

"There are 1.10 lakh families of farmers in the State. Studies have shown that almost one crore families do not possess more than 3-4 acres. Therefore, it is a mistake to depend on agriculture alone. Dairy farming and other rural activities have to be taken up by women."

To make farming sustainable, the State Government would take all steps to complete the pending irrigation projects as soon as possible and ensure supply of quality inputs to farmers at reasonable prices, he said. "We are supplying power free of cost. It is the most critical input in many areas lacking irrigation facilities."

Dr Reddy also said that two-day district-level farmers' conventions would be held till June 5, which he would attend to acquaint himself with the local problems. "Two or three farmers will be chosen from each village to be trained in modern farming methods."

The Chief Minister also spoke at similar conventions in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts.

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