The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) will be increasing its total disbursements in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by 30-45% in the current fiscal.

“We are looking at increasing disbursements to Rs. 18,000-Rs. 20,000 crore,” S. Nagoor Ali Jinnah, Chief General Manager, Nabard said. During 2016-17, NABARD gave Rs. 13,792 crore as financial support to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Nabard has also proposed to support the Tamil Nadu government in rejuvenating irrigation tanks under the kudimaramathu scheme with an annual assistance of Rs. 500 crore.

Nabard is also promoting Farmers’ Producer Organisations, companies owned by the farmer-producers themselves.