By Brahmipriya Samantray
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Bhubaneswar, 11th Feb 2016: NABARD has projected the overall credit potential of Odisha under Priority sector at Rs 58,882.39 crore for the year 2016-17, out of which Rs.32,207.90 crore (54.7%) has been assessed as credit potential under Agriculture Sector. Total financial outlay against investments under critical gaps in infrastructure in the State has been assessed at Rs.2,783.96 crore. This was revealed in the State Credit Seminar held earlier on 28 January 2016. The State Focus Paper 2016-17 for Odisha was released on the occasion. The Seminar was based on the theme “Accelerating the pace of Capital Formation in Agriculture and Allied Sector in Odisha’.
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Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi in his inaugural speech emphasized on enhanced credit flow to agriculture and allied sectors. He urged the Banks to upscale rapid growth of credit flow in the state as the State Govt is extending various supports through subsidies and incentives. Sectors like Fishery and Dairy have huge potential and need to be supported by banks. Commercial banks have to provide more support in the state under agriculture and allied sectors. He revealed that the State Govt. is making all efforts to bridge the critical infrastructure gaps and banks have to act in a manner that projections made by NABARD are achieved through concerted efforts.
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“The plan document has been prepared with to give focused attention to the rural credit flow in the State especially through Agricultural Term Loans, Area Based Projects and integrating with Financial Inclusion. He also highlighted the development perspective and strategies for promotion of various rural sectors,” S. K. Kale, Chief General Manager NABARD, stated in his welcome address.
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Among others, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, GoO; Principal Secretaries & Secretaries of various State Departments; Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, P K Jena; CGM, State Bank of India, B V G Reddy; Convenor SLBC, B.P.Samantaray; Zonal Heads of Banks and other dignitaries participated in the seminar.
