BALARAM Scheme

About BALARAM Scheme

A comprehensive agricultural loan and resource augmentation model for landless farmers in Odisha

Introduction

As an agrarian State, almost 62% of the rural workforce of Odisha are engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Agriculture sector still continues to be the major source of livelihoods for a major chunk of the population.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state leveraged the potential of agricultural sector in reviving the economy, as migrant workers returned to their homes from different regions of Odisha.

Target Beneficiaries

Landless and marginal farmers, sharecroppers who lack access to formal credit institutions

Joint Liability Groups

Formation of JLGs to enable collective access to institutional credit and reduce dependency on informal sources

Economic Impact

Reducing dependence on money lenders and informal credit sources with high interest rates

Background

Usually, the share croppers who are landless or marginal cultivators do not have access to most of the assistance and facilities being provided by Government. The idea of financing Joint Liability Group (JLG) is a group of farmers (Minimum 5) in an existing concept and various models have been tried for financing of JLGs.

Under 'SAMRUDHI' the new agriculture Policy-2020 of Govt. of Odisha, one of the important measures of action is the promotion of a new model to facilitate sharecroppers by providing institutional credit.

Under the 5T initiative, there is a "Task Team" with an objective of financing 5 lakhs sharecroppers in five years duration. Accordingly, the scheme 'BALARAM' (Bhoomihina Agriculturist Loan and Resources Augmentation Model) has been formulated.

Aims & Objectives

Key goals of the BALARAM Scheme

Credit Flow Augmentation

To augment flow of credit to farmers cultivating land as tenant farmers, oral lessees or share croppers who do not have proper title of their operational land holding, through formation and financing of JLGs.

JLG Formation

Formation of One lakh Joint liability Groups of Lessee Cultivators / Sharecroppers or oral lessees in the State covering 5 lakhs such farmers over a period of 2 years which will serve their common interest regarding access to credit from formal financial sector.

Collateral Free Loans

To extend collateral free loans to target clients through JLG mechanism, reducing dependency on informal credit sources and money lenders.

Programme Execution

To execute the programme by close coordination of State Government, Banks and eligible farmers through structured implementation framework.

Key Features

Salient features of the BALARAM Scheme

Target Group & Implementation

Farmers practicing cultivation shall be the target group of crop loan financing in JLG mode
Use of structured platform of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) for programme implementation
KrushakSathis who are local progressive farmers shall play the prime role of motivator in JLG formation

Financial Provisions

Crop Loans amounting to a maximum of Rs. 1.60 Lakhs per group (as per RBI norms) shall be financed by the Banks
Eligibility of group financing shall depend upon the CIBIL score of individual farmers and other Banking regulations
Banks will have specific targets for financing of crop loans to JLGs

Implementation Framework

ATMA Platform

Structured platform for programme implementation and farmer support

Banking Partnership

Close coordination with banks for loan processing and disbursement

Monitoring System

Regular monitoring and evaluation of scheme implementation

Apply for BALARAM Scheme

Submit your application for agricultural loan through JLG

JLG Application Form

Personal Information

Full Name *

Father's/Husband's Name *

Mobile Number *

Aadhaar Number *

Farming Information

Type of Farmer *

Cultivated Area (in acres) *

Primary Crop *

Years of Experience *

Joint Liability Group Information

JLG Status *

Number of Members (if existing)

JLG Name (if existing)

Bank Information

Bank Name *

Account Number *

IFSC Code *

Branch Name *

Loan Requirements

Loan Amount Required *

Purpose of Loan *

Address Information

Complete Address *

District *

Block *

PIN Code *

I hereby declare that the information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false information may lead to rejection of my application. I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the BALARAM scheme and JLG formation guidelines.

By submitting this application, you agree to the terms and conditions of BALARAM scheme.

Get in Touch

Contact us for more information about BALARAM Scheme

Helpline

1800-345-6789

Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM

Email

balaram@odisha.gov.in

support@balaram.odisha.gov.in

Website

balaram.odisha.gov.in

Official Portal

Address

Agriculture Department

Government of Odisha, Bhubaneswar