CHANDIGARH, JAN 31: Punjab National Bank has decided to grant loans of up to Rs one lakh to farmers under the new Krishi Card scheme, depending on their land holdings. The interest charged will be only 13.26 per cent, calculated on the basis of prime lending rate and interest tax.Disclosing this at a function organised to launch the Krishi Card Scheme in Fatehgarh district, PNB Deputy General Manager I.D. Singh said the farmers can use the card to avail the loan facility from any of the branches of the bank in the district. Under the scheme, the farmers are not required to submit any bills. ``They can utilise the card to meet their agricultural input costs and domestic requirements such as education, consumer items and medical expenses,'' he said.The Krishi Card valid for three years, would be issued only to literate farmer with a minimum land holding of 2.5 acres. D.P.S. Walia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (development), appreciated the efforts made by the bank for upliftment of farming community and stressed the need for simplification of procedures to help farmers avail the facility. He advised the bankers to have a realistic approach in implementing the power alleviation programmes in the district.
