In a significant move, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala announced the extension of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to fishermen on November 16. Originally designed for farmers, the KCC scheme provides tailored financial support through credit cards to address agricultural needs. By broadening its scope to include fishermen, the government aims to acknowledge and support the substantial contribution of those involved in the fishing sector to the nation’s economy.
In addition to the financial assistance, the government, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has developed a specialized instrument. This tool is designed to help fishermen precisely identify their location and facilitate communication with shore-based personnel. The initiative is geared towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of fishermen during their fishing activities. The rollout of this instrument is expected in the near future, according to Rupala.
The Kisan Credit Card scheme, introduced in 1998, initially focused on providing cards to farmers based on their land holdings, with the objective of achieving widespread adoption by banks. Originally intended for purchasing agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as withdrawing cash for production needs, the scheme has evolved over time to better support farmers and address their financial requirements.
Source: Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
editor
26 November 2023