While laying emphasis on simplification of banking processes for sanctioning loans to farmers, Nimbalkar said a large number of farmers were finding it difficult to get the formalities completed. “Banks need to look into the processes for appraisal and sanction of loans, and ensure provision of hassle-free credit to farmers,” he said, before adding that there were many schemes conceived by the State and Central governments, but because of the operational difficulties it is not realised to the desired extent. “The minister also called for realization of remunerative prices for the farmers and also called for promoting market oriented agriculture as well as cutting down procedural delays for granting approval at various levels, for expeditious sanction and implementation of the projects.

The minister also stressed on developing the infrastructure for implementing the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) projects and the need for periodical interaction between NABARD and government agencies with regard to implementation of the projects.

Principal secretary Dr S K Goel stressed on the need for adoption of a project approach, rather than a ‘scheme approach’ in order to ensure optimum utilisation of bank credit to the advantage of farmers. He however also added that the credit potential should be utilised for formulation and implementation of “end-to-end” projects.

General Manager and officer-in-charge NABARD,S Santhanam gave a brief overview of the expectations from the government and banks after presenting the state credit plan 2008-9.