Ziro, Jul 16: To promote financial inclusion and improve access to institutional credit, NABARD organised a Kisan Credit Card (KCC)-cum-Financial Literacy Workshop at Tarin Aqua Park, Ziro, on Thursday, with a special focus on fish farmers in Lower Subansiri district.
Around 58 farmers and stakeholders participated in the programme, which was organised by Infoway IT Solutions under its outreach initiative.
NABARD District Development Manager (DDM) Dr Lalit Kumar Maurya highlighted the role of the Kisan Credit Card in meeting farmers' credit requirements and briefed participants on the latest KCC guidelines. He also explained the benefits available under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and the Jan Samarth Portal, urging fish farmers to take advantage of the KCC Fisheries Scheme to expand their aquaculture ventures.
District Fisheries Development Officer L Lasa informed farmers about various Central and State government schemes for the fisheries sector, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. He said two Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) are functioning in the district and encouraged farmers to use them for collective marketing and business development.
SBI Chief Manager Sumit Brahma demonstrated the use of the Krishika mobile application for KCC-related services and digital banking. He also briefed participants on education loan facilities available for students pursuing higher education.
Lead District Manager (LDM) Durga Boro conducted a session on financial inclusion, explaining various insurance and pension schemes designed to provide financial security to rural households.
The workshop also facilitated interaction between farmers, bankers and government officials, allowing participants to clarify their queries on credit facilities, financial planning and government support programmes.
Besides Dr Maurya, the programme was attended by Farm Manager Mihin Tapin, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank Branch Manager Biri Kanu, Apex Bank Branch Manager Elizabeth Bui Nyorak and officials from Infoway IT Solutions. The organisers said the workshop aimed to strengthen awareness on financial literacy and improve farmers' access to institutional finance and developmental opportunities.