SBT to focus on agri-clinics

The State Bank of Travancore (SBT) has lined up measures to revive the agri-clinics initiative that failed due to lack of interest in the state.

RG Gadkari, general manager (P&D), said, "The bank is looking at giving more thrust to the agri-clinics sector and would step up the initiative to boost this concept."

Thrust would be on finance under microcredit, joint liability groups, and promote farmer clubs and agri-clinics.

SBT has recruited technically qualified marketing executives who would help farmers pursue their farming vocation for sustainable income generation. These executives would guide the farmers in all aspects of farming.

"We have recruited 18 executives, of whom 13 are currently working in different parts of the state. The remaining work among farmers in Tamil Nadu," he added.

Adding that the agri-clinics scheme hasn't taken off as expected, Sasidharan Pillai, assistant general manager (development and rural banking) of SBT, said the bank would finance around 15 applicants who are interested in the scheme.

"We have set aside Rs 10 lakh each to individuals and up to Rs 50 lakh for group ventures under the scheme. This would also attract a subsidy of 25 per cent offered by Nabard as per the central government scheme in this regard," he said.

The agri-clinics concept was launched four years ago by the Centre to aid farming activities in the country. The project has virtually come to a standstill as banks did not find any takers for the scheme.

Pillai said only seven applications had been received by the bank since the inception of the scheme.