The Andhra Pradesh Government has requested the Reserve Bank of India to extend crop loan rescheduling to the rabi season of 2013-14 too, that is, beyond the kharif season approved by it.

In a reply to the RBI communication received by the State Government on crop loan rescheduling for kharif 2013-14, the State wanted the coverage to be extended to the rabi crop season and gold loans of the last financial year.

State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Thursday said the RBI has sought additional information with regard to number of beneficiaries and their accounts, acres and related information.

While the RBI has agreed to reschedule the kharif season loan for three years, the State wanted the rescheduling to cover the rabi crop loan (of up to ₹1.5 lakh) and gold loans (up to ₹50,000) as well for a tenure of about seven years.

The State is keen that the farmers do not get burdened by the loans and all possible measures are taken to ensure that they do not have to face hardship, he said.

Of the 661 mandals in 13 districts of AP, 575 were declared drought-hit. The State is keen to cover the remaining 86 mandals , even though they have not been affected by drought or floods, he said.

Telangana okays

In a big relief to the farm community, the Telangana Cabinet approved the rescheduling of crop loans of 38 lakh farmers in the new State. Announcing the decision at a press briefing after the Cabinet meet on Wednesday night, State Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that it was decided to implement crop loan and even gold loan waiver with immediate effect. This will mean a burden of ₹17,000-19,000 crore.

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