Agri Loans Awareness Week by SBI

Lucknow : In a move aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and empowering rural communities, the #StateBankofIndia (#SBI), Lucknow Circle inaugurated the 'Agri Loans Awareness Week' on June 9, 2025. The campaign, held nationwide from June 9 to June 13, was flagged off at the Bank's Local Head Office in Lucknow under the guidance of Shri Dipak Kumar De, Chief General Manager of the Lucknow Circle.

The launch event witnessed the participation of top SBI officials including Shri Anil Kumar (General Manager, Network 1), Shri Rajiv Kumar (General Manager, Network 2), Shri Kaushalendra Kumar (General Manager, Network 3), Smt Gurpreet Kaur (Deputy General Manager, Agriculture), Shri Dheeraj Kumar (Deputy General Manager, Business & Operations, Lucknow West), and Shri Raghvendra Kumar (Deputy General Manager, Business & Operations, Lucknow East). Together, they flagged off two specially designed audio vans, equipped with outreach material in local dialects and digital tools to reach deep into rural heartlands.

The central objective of the campaign is to educate farmers about timely renewal of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs), promote awareness of available agriculture loan products, and ensure understanding of various Government Sponsored Schemes that support agricultural growth and financial wellbeing.

Under the Bank's signature rural outreach initiative ‘जानो, समझो, बढ़ो’ (Know, Understand, Grow), these audio vans will travel through key agricultural zones across Uttar Pradesh and beyond, delivering essential information to farmers in an accessible and engaging manner.

Speaking about the initiative, Smt Gurpreet Kaur emphasized, “This campaign is not just about loans. It's about empowering farmers with knowledge — of their rights, resources, and the financial tools available to them. Awareness is the first step toward agricultural resilience.”

Through this campaign, farmers will also be introduced to digital banking options, ways to avoid debt traps, and practical steps to access subsidized loans under central and state schemes. SBI officials at rural branches are tasked with conducting in-person sessions, interactive workshops, and distributing printed materials on safe and beneficial use of agri-finance.

The campaign also aims to reduce delays in KCC renewals and encourage farmers to seek assistance well before deadlines to continue availing benefits such as interest subvention and insurance cover.

The State Bank of India urges all farmers to participate actively in this awareness initiative and leverage the bank’s offerings to enhance productivity, secure timely credit, and achieve financial independence.