WB Targets For More Agri-Lending

Kolkata: The West Bengal Government has decided to ensure that all districts in the State have 100 per cent financial inclusion by the 11th Plan. The State, which has witnessed a little over Rs 3,500 crore come by way of agri-lending by banks in 2006-07. Agri lending should Rs 5,000 crore by the close of this fiscal. In the first quarter, West Bengal recorded a 16 per cent growth in agri-lending. Co-operative banks scored better than commercial banks in this respect. The number of SHGs stood at 5.9 lakh or so in March this year.