Bhatti Vikramarka Urges Banks to Support Farmers

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has urged banks to take special measures to support farmers facing financial difficulties due to drought-like conditions caused by the El Niño effect in Telangana. Speaking at the State-Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) meeting held at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad on Tuesday, he called on banks to restructure and reschedule eligible crop loans in accordance with RBI guidelines and provide fresh loans for the Rabi season without delays. He stated that 365 mandals across 31 districts had been declared drought-affected, with 111 mandals severely impacted. He stressed the need to prioritise small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers and agricultural families by extending financial assistance for low-water crops, crop diversification, micro-irrigation, storage and food processing. He also urged banks to help farming families explore alternative sources of income.

Bhatti Vikramarka further called for increased lending to education, individual housing, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and infrastructure sectors. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao also urged bankers to extend special support to farmers amid the prevailing drought conditions. He called for the immediate disbursement of Rs. 38,268 crore in crop loans earmarked for the Rabi season. He also emphasised providing loans for pulses, oilseeds, horticulture crops, drip irrigation and sprinkler systems. Promoting allied agricultural activities such as dairy farming, poultry, livestock rearing and beekeeping could help farmers generate additional income, he said. Both ministers called for coordinated efforts between the government and banks to ensure timely loan restructuring and fresh credit facilities for farmers.