Raipur, February 11, 2022. State Credit Seminar was organized today at the Regional Office of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Nava Raipur. Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Mr. Ravindra Choubey was present as chief guest on the occasion. The minister released ‘State Focus Paper 2022-23’ and a book on “NABARD in Chhattisgarh”. Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr. Kamal Preet Singh, Water Resources Secretary Mr. Anbalagan P., and Regional Director, RBI, Raipur Mrs. A. Sivagami also attended the seminar.
Addressing the seminar, Agriculture Minister Mr. Ravindra Choubey said that many innovative schemes have been started by the Chhattisgarh Government to strengthen the agriculture ecosystem and improve economic condition of farmers in the state. As a result a significant progress can in the field of agriculture in the state in these last three years. New positive changes are being seen. He added that Chhattisgarh is an agricultural state with livelihood of about 75 per cent of the population dependent on agriculture.
“The development of agriculture is necessary for the overall development of the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, the work of strengthening agriculture ecosystem and boosting rural economy is being done at a fast pace. Processing industries related to agriculture and minor forest produce are being set up continuously across the state. Keeping this in view, I appeal the banks to increase the ground level credit flow in the state”, the minister said.
Agriculture Minister Mr. Ravindra Choubey appreciated NABARD‘s efforts for its financial assistance and developmental interventions and assured the State Governments commitment in this regard. On this occasion, he especially urged all co-operative banks to set up at least 5 ATMs in their respective branch areas so that consumer farmers can easily withdraw funds.
Dr. D. Ravindra, Chief General Manager, NABARD highlighted about formulation of the Annual Credit Plan by Banks in Chhattisgarh and the initiatives taken by NABARD in infrastructure development, promotional and developmental activities in the state. It was informed in the seminar The total credit potential under Priority Sector is estimated at Rs. 39170 crore for the year 2022-23, of which share of agriculture is Rs. 21805 crore. In respect of MSME Sector, a potential of Rs. 12556 crore has been assessed.
The seminar was attended by Smt Sheetal Shashwat Verma, Director, Institutional Finance Department, Mr. Yashwant Kumar, Director Agriculture Department, Mr. V Matheswaran, Director Horticulture Department, Convener, SLBC, Chairman, CRGB, MD, Apex Bank, Regional Heads of Banks and representatives from Government of Chhattisgarh.
