A Credible Blueprint For Agriculture Credit
The Hindu Business Line|September 16, 2019
If implemented well, the roadmap traced by the RBI’s Internal Working Group can significantly boost farm incomes.
S ADIKESAVAN
A Credible Blueprint For Agriculture Credit

In these difficult times for the national economy, it pays to have a little bit of optimism similar to the outlook of the late Swedish statistician and physician Hans Rosling, who wrote in his bestseller Factfulness about “Ten reasons we’re wrong about the world and why things are better than you think”.

Last Friday’s report of the Internal Working Group (IWG) of the RBI on agriculture credit, headed by its Deputy Governor MK Jain and pivoted by Ashok Gulati, is remarkable for its data aggregation on the work done so far, which then provides the optimistic backdrop for a blueprint for immediate action.

If taken up in earnest by all stakeholders, like the governments at the Centre and the States, this plan can give a booster dose to incomes in the rural sector in general, with a focus on agriculture and allied activities.

The various initiatives taken over the years at the national level has led to a spectacular increase in the credit support for agriculture. Credit to agriculture, which was just about 20 per cent of the sectoral GDP in the 1990s (reform years), has grown to 51 per cent in 2018. In the last five years, coinciding with Modi 1.0, the jump was about 10 per cent! This is a pleasant revelation as far as credit reach in quantitative terms are concerned.

Game-changers

What then are the issues to be tackled in this crucial segment, which impinges upon the livelihood of half our working population? To my mind, four broad themes emerge from the report which if tackled properly, will be a game-changer for this sector.

Denne historien er fra September 16, 2019-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 16, 2019-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE HINDU BUSINESS LINESe alt
Covid Presents An Opportunity For India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Presents An Opportunity For India

India must attract investors exiting China post-Covid. Streamlining of project clearances and relaxation in FRBM norms will help

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The Hindu Business Line

Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?

The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
How To Put Aircraft To Bed
The Hindu Business Line

How To Put Aircraft To Bed

Preserving grounded planes, to get them up and flying at short notice, is a challenging task. Ashwini Phadnis captures the process

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
The Hindu Business Line

There Can Be No Going Back On WFH

Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
The Hindu Business Line

UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data

Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
The Hindu Business Line

With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants

Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
The Hindu Business Line

Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders

Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India

Compared to Italy and the US, India’s rate of infection spread has been slow. This can be attributed to the strict measures in place

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
The Hindu Business Line

How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid

China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
The Hindu Business Line

How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office

Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls

time-read
3 mins  |
April 28, 2020