Question : Credit Cards for Fishermen

(a) whether the Government has proposed to provide credit cards to fishermen and those involved in animal husbandry in the country similar to the kisan credit card provided to farmers, if so, the details and the objectives thereof along with the benefits likely to accrue therefrom;
(b) whether the move would facilitate access of fishermen and those in animal husbandry to institutional credit, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has fixed any criteria to avail this facility, if so, the details thereof;
(d) the cash and credit limits of the proposed credit card;
(e) whether the Government is ready to provide such credit to fishermen on a low interest rate; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(SHRI PRATAP CHANDRA SARANGI)
(a) and (b): The Government of India has extended the facility of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them meet their working capital needs. The KCC facility will help fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to meet their short term credit requirements of rearing of animals, poultry birds, fish, shrimp, other aquatic organisms and capture of fish.

(c): The details of criteria for eligible beneficiaries under KCC for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries are given at Annexure-I.
(d) to (f): Under Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility, for the existing KCC holders the credit limit is Rs. 3 lakh including animal husbandry and fisheries activities whereas the KCC holders for animal husbandry and fisheries have the credit limit of Rs. 2 lakh to meet their working capital requirements for animal husbandry and fisheries activities. Under KCC facility, Interest subvention is available for animal husbandry and fisheries farmers @ 2% per annum at the time of disbursal of loan and additional interest subvention @ 3 % per annum in case of prompt repayment as Prompt Repayment Incentive.