Bandipora, June 20: The State Bank of India (SBI) on Saturday organised a Smart Agri Customers Meet at Town Hall Bandipora to create awareness among farmers, orchardists and agri-entrepreneurs about various financial products and schemes aimed at promoting scientific and commercial agriculture.
The programme was attended by former President Municipal Council Bandipora, Basharat Hussain Najar, who was the chief guest on the occasion. Branch Manager SBI Bandipora, Suheel-ul-Aziz, along with other bank officials, interacted with participants and provided detailed information on banking solutions available for the agriculture sector.
During the session, officials highlighted various schemes related to agri-business development, warehouse financing, high-density plantation, horticulture projects and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Participants were informed about eligibility criteria, application procedures, interest rates, repayment options and other formalities associated with these schemes.
The officials also explained how farmers and agri-entrepreneurs can avail financial assistance for infrastructure development, post-harvest management, storage facilities and value-addition activities to strengthen their agricultural enterprises and improve productivity.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of institutional finance in supporting the growth of the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the district.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants raised queries regarding various loan products and banking services. SBI officials assured continued outreach programmes to disseminate information about agricultural credit facilities and other schemes available through the bank.
A large number of farmers, orchardists, agri-entrepreneurs and members of the public attended the programme.