‘Ghar KCC Abhiyaan' to Transform Fishers and Farmers- Know Benefits & Application Process

The fisheries sector is a vital part of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and export earnings. However, the sector is also facing several challenges, including limited access to credit.

In a bid to address this challenge, the Department of Fisheries has launched the "Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan", a campaign to provide Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) to all eligible fishers and fish farmers.

The Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan is a significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion and support for the fisheries sector. KCCs are a type of credit card that provides farmers and fishers with access to affordable credit to meet their agricultural and allied needs.

To boost financial inclusion and promote the fisheries sector, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), orchestrated a pivotal meeting centered on the 'Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan,' an initiative poised to revolutionize the lives of fisherfolk.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, in address, highlighted the imperative of extending the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to the farthest reaches of the fisheries value chain, ensuring that every eligible individual, from fishermen to fish farmers, receives the support they deserve. He called for a rigorous analysis of KCC application rejections and expedited approvals, thereby streamlining the financial aid process.

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The Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan is being implemented in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs).

All eligible fishers and fish farmers are encouraged to apply for a KCC. To apply for a KCC, fishers, and fish farmers can contact their nearest bank branch.

Dr. Likhi praised the ongoing Special KCC campaign during Sagar Parikrama, rallying all participants for the success of 'Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan.' The meeting featured senior officials from States, Union Territories, RBI, NABARD, Commercial Banks, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, SLBCs, and RRBs.

Joint Secretary Sagar Mehra outlined the 'Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan,' emphasizing the crucial collaboration between States/UTs and financial institutions. The campaign's core mission is universal financial inclusion, ensuring all farmers, particularly in fisheries, have seamless access to credit, empowering their agricultural pursuits.

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Mehra shed light on beneficiary challenges, a total of Rs 1,746.16 Crore worth of KCCs sanctioned for 1,59,903 recipients, and the need for greater awareness of RBI guidelines making fishers KCC-eligible. He stressed the importance of analyzing rejected applications and corrective actions by banks to maximize benefits.

State/UT representatives shared concerns about application mobilization, eligibility criteria, credit limits, and documentation, expressing steadfast commitment to the Abhiyaan. NABARD, Commercial Banks, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, SLBCs, RRBs, and RBI pledged special dedication to 'Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan' in the fisheries sector, promising full KCC coverage for eligible fishers and fish farmers. This united effort promises a brighter future for our national fishing communities.

KCCs offer several benefits to fishers and fish farmers, including:-

• Access to affordable credit: KCCs offer fishers and fish farmers access to affordable credit at interest rates of 7% per annum or less.

• Flexible repayment terms: KCCs offer flexible repayment terms, allowing fishers and fish farmers to repay their loans in installments based on their income cycle.

• Collateral-free loans: KCCs are collateral-free loans, meaning that fishers and fish farmers do not need to pledge any collateral to obtain a loan.

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