Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) has advanced loans amounting to Rs 636.265 million during the current fiscal year among the small growers and farmers while recovered its outstanding dues amounting to Rs 1056.628 million from the habitual defaulters in Sialkot and Narowal districts.
The ZTBL sources told Business Recorder on Saturday here that the bank had adopted a rational and liberal policy for accommodating the small farmers and growers of both the districts for reducing their difficulties. Under production loan scheme, the bank has advanced loans amounting to Rs 544.780 million among the growers' community enabling them to purchase tractors, seeds, pesticides, and fertiliser besides for the establishment of small-scale dairies, poultry farms and livestock in Sialkot and Narowal districts.
The ZTBL had adopted adequate measures for ensuring advancement of loans to the small growers and farmers aimed at enabling them to purchase seed, fertiliser, pesticides and fuel well in time for their crops in the two districts, sources added.
Under micro credit loan scheme, the ZTBL has planned to extend loan facilities to the poorest people enabling them to undertake their own small-scale business and earn their livelihood in a respectable way. Under micro credit scheme, loan facilities are being provided to male and female landless poor, tillers and small landowners having land measuring two acres in Sialkot and Narowal districts.
The loans under micro credit scheme are being provided for processing of grains, fruit and vegetable, sugarcane crushing machine, noodles manufacturing, confectionery and sweets manufacturing, tandoor, edible oil extraction, garments making, hats and caps making, carpet and rugs weaving, quilt making, silk cloth weaving, ajrak making, production of footwear, leather garments making, wood fences, broom making, soap making, pottery china and ceramic, lime and plaster, agricultural implements manufacturing, hand tools, paper-based handicrafts, needle embroidery, hand made toys and tools, bangle making, candle making, photo studio, thread balls and reels, tea corners, fruit and vegetable shops and mushroom cultivation etc the sources added.