SBT to increase agriculture finance

The State Bank of Travancore (SBT) is planning to increase agriculture finance by facilitating hassle-free credit to farmers. However, the bank''s lending to the agriculture sector stood at Rs.2, 774 crore. Moreover, the bank had been in touch with NABARD to step up agricultural credit in the State while the SBT had already introduced several schemes specifically designed to meet the requirements of farmers. Additionally, the bank was celebrating ''Haritholsavam'' from July 20 to September 30 and during the campaign period processing charges would be waived for all agricultural loans. Hence, all short-term loans sanctioned to farmers above Rs.3 lakh would be given 0.5% interest concession.