The Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) has advanced loans amounting to Rs 863.217 million among the small growers and farmers in Sialkot and Narowal districts during the current fiscal year.
ZTBL sources told Business Recorder on Saturday here that disbursement of loans during current year had been increased to 22 percent as compare to previous year because the bank had adopted highly liberal farmers-friendly policy. The concept of these policies was to reduce the financial problems of the farmer community of Sialkot and Narowal districts.
Under Production Loans scheme, the bank advanced loans amounting to Rs 709.950 million enabling the growers to purchase tractors, seeds, pesticides, fuel, and fertiliser well in time for their crops in both districts.
Under Development Loans scheme, the ZTBL advanced loans amounting to Rs 153.267 million for the establishment of small-scale dairies, poultry farms, fish farms and livestock in Sialkot and Narowal districts.
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 the scheme loan facilities are being provided to male and females landless poor tillers and small landowners having land two acres in Sialkot and Narowal districts.
The loans under micro credit scheme are being provided for processing of grains, processing of fruit and vegetable, sugarcane crushing machine, vermiciles and 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 foot wear, leather garments making, wood fences, broom making, soap making, cropping of herbal, 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 ZTBL had also accorded its special attention for the recovery of its outstanding dues amounting to Rs 1247.196 million from the habitual defaulters in Sialkot and Narowal districts.