Department of Business Management, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan, 173230, Himachal Pradesh, India
This paper aims to examine the credit utilisation pattern of the beneficiaries of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and also to have an insight into the problems and constraints faced by the users. Results of the study are based on the information collected from 78 small and marginal farmers through a detailed and exhaustive questionnaire prepared to carry out an in-depth exploratory and empirical level research. Results of the data analysis suggested that necessity of KCC in rural credit was vital. The study advocated that educational qualification, age, occupational status, total land holding and type of crop had positive influence on the decision of farmers regarding adoption of KCC while the factors like gender, number of family members and farming experience had a negative relationship. Evidence of the study is relevant to policymakers designing incentives and schemes concerning small and marginal farmers. Further the study has implications for the authorities engaged in sustainable development of backward areas as it would help in reviewing credit utilisation pattern of KCC for better monitoring. The key recommendations of the study are the need to improve the financing structure and to establish linkages between the agricultural and non-agricultural activities in the rural areas.
Kisan Credit Card, agricultural credit, utilization pattern, problems, constraints
