Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30:
For development of pisciculture in the State and to improve the standard of living of those engaged in this trade, especially those around Loktak lake, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has decided to extend loan facilities at very low interest rate.
The amount of loan to be given is Rs 2.50 lakhs per hectare of land under pisciculture activities.
This was disclosed by Deputy General Manager of NABARD Sonamani Yambem while interacting with local people and pisciculturists during his inspection visit of fish farms at Keirenphabi in Bishnupur district today.
Fisheries Minister N Mangi and Director (Fisheries) N Biramani were also part of the inspection team.
Explaining in clear cut terms, Sonamani said that 95 percent of the loan amount would be financed by NABARD and remaining 5 percent by the State Government.
An amount of Rs 2.5 lakhs per hectare of land under pisciculture would be extended as loan and the rate of interest payable is Rs 6 per annum, he said, adding that the loan amount is to be returned within a period of six years by the fish farmers.
All the works related to issuing of loans would be taken up in collaboration with State Directorate of Fisheries and it would be completed within July, he informed.
Sonamani further disclosed that Centre has sanctioned and deposited Rs 8 crores to NABARD under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.
This fund would be used for development of fisheries not only in Bishnupur district but also in Thoubal and Imphal.
Fisheries Minister N Mangi appealed to the people to cultivate the habit of returning the loan amount and assured that every efforts would be made for the development of Keirenphabi and change it into a model village.
The Minister further said that the Govt has prepared a plan for construction of 70 houses for rehabilitation of fishermen under Fishery Welfare Scheme.
Each of these houses would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000, the Minister disclosed.
Meanwhile, a one-day workshop on Rural Infrastructure Development Fund was held under the aegis of NABARD at State Guest House, Sanjenthong today morning.