ISLAMABAD (March 20 2004): Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), keeping in view the escalation in prices of agri inputs, has increased the fixed per acre input credit limits for various crops so that the credit needs of farmers can be met effectively.

The bank's board of director has approved the revised per acre input credit ceilings, which would be effective immediately, ZTBL sources told APP here on Friday.

The revised per acre input credit limits for various crops include cotton (Rs 10,000), sugarcane (Rs 16,000), wheat (Rs 6,600), paddy (Rs 7,000), potato (Rs 18,200), maize-hybrid (Rs 8,100), maize-local (Rs 3,000) and tobacco (Rs 23,000).

The new credit limits cover various input costs including seed/nursery, fertiliser, pesticides/insecticides/weedicides, POL charges, irrigation cost, curing, sowing, toppling, suckering etc.

Credit plays a vital role to ensure use of recommended dosages of inputs for crops, but with the passage of time and due to escalation in prices, previous fixed per acre input credit limits had fallen short, necessitating a revision in credit limits.

According to the bank sources, the field functionaries, have been advised to process, sanction and disburse production loan cases according the revised limits and meet genuine credit needs of the farming community timely and expeditiously.

Courtesy Business Recorder