Kerala Chief Minister distributes Agri-card

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government is thinking of making available interest free loans to farmers, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today.

"Steps will be taken to help farmers avail interest free loans in consultation with the Centre," he said after inaugurating the state level distribution of Agri cards to farmers here.

Interest rate charged by NABARD was comparatively low, and for those who repay in time, the loans virtually become interest free with the incentives provided by state and Centre, he said.

Chandy said the Centre and State Governments were giving 3 per cent and four per cent incentives on scheduled repayment of loans respectively. If necessary changes are brought in this system, then the farmers can avail loans interest free, he said.

On prices of agri products, he said the present situation was that the farmer did not have any role in fixing the price of agriculture commodities."This depends on various agencies and other factors. Due to this situation a liberal approach should be taken in granting loans to farmers," he said.

Agri Card is an initiative of state Agriculture Department to give better service to farmers at the right time and in a more efficient manner, he added.