Interest Subsidy on Loans for Agriculture and Allied Activities

Description
“Interest Subsidy on Loans for Agriculture and Allied Activities” is a scheme by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa. Through this scheme, the bonafide agriculturist, individuals of the animal husbandry sector/ fisheries sector from Goa are provided a loan of upto ₹ 5,00,000 for the purpose of Agriculture and Allied Activities. The applications are accepted only in offline mode.

Benefits
• Loan of upto ₹ 5,00,000.
• Interest Subsidy on Short-Term Loans: 4% to farmers who promptly repay their loans.
• Interest Subsidy on Long-Term Loans: Equal to the difference between a 4% interest rate and the normal rate charged by eligible Banks, in line with their policies. The subsidy is subject to a maximum limit of 8%.

Eligibility Criteria
1. > **For Inland Fisheries**
2. - The applicant should own or lease any of the fisheries-related activities, such as pond, tank, open water bodies, raceway, hatchery, rearing unit, possess the necessary license for fish farming and fishing-related activities, and any other state-specific fisheries and allied activities.
3. - The applicant may include fishers, fish farmers (individual & groups/partners/share/croppers/tenants/farmers), self-help groups, joint liability groups, and women groups.
4. > **For Marine Fisheries**
5. - The applicant should own or lease a registered fishing vessel/boat, possess the necessary fishing license/permission for fishing in estuaries and sea, engage in fish farming/mariculture activities in estuaries and open sea, and participate in any other state-specific fisheries and allied activities.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should request the prescribed format of the application form from the department.
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should request the prescribed format of the application form from the department.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Offline
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority at the Department of Fisheries, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji Goa - 403 521, or to the official posted at BDO Office/ Su…
Offline
Any dissatisfaction or complaint about any service or its standards can be registered with the Department's Grievance Redressal Officer. The grievance can also be lodged on the link [email protected]. All complaints will be acknowledged by us and final action taken will be communicated within 30 days.

Required Documents
• Quotation Bill
• Aadhaar Card of Applicant
• Vessel Registration Certificate
• Fishing & Net Licence Receipts
• Letter From Bank to Avail Loan
• Copy of Permission Letter Issued by Directorate of Fisheries to Construct Canoe/trawler/purseiner/purchase of New Net
• Copy of Certificate Issued by Coastal Aquaculture Authority for Construction/renovation of Prawn Farming
• Inspection Report From Fisheries Officer
• Mandate Form

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the official website of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa?
A: The official website is www.fisheries.goa.gov.in. For detailed guidelines, refer to https://fisheries.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CitizenCharter-2.pdf.

Q: Is there a specific format for the application form, and where can it be obtained?
A: The interested applicant can obtain the prescribed format of the application form from the official website: https://fisheries.goa.gov.in/schemes-services/.

Q: What are the contact details for the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa?
A: Contact the Directorate at Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Panaji Goa. Tel: (O) 2224838, Tel: (Dir) 2227780; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.fisheries.goa.gov.in.

Q: Are Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) eligible for this scheme, and are there specific criteria for them?
A: Yes, PwDs are eligible, and there are no specific criteria mentioned for them under the "Interest Subsidy on Loans" scheme.

Q: What is the role of the Department's Grievance Redressal Officer, and how can complaints be lodged?
A: The Officer addresses dissatisfaction or complaints; complaints can be lodged at [email protected], with responses provided within 30 days.

Q: Is there any age-related criteria for individuals applying for the "Interest Subsidy on Loans" scheme?
A: No, there is no age-related criteria for applicants under this scheme.

Q: How is the interest subsidy on long-term loans calculated, and what is the maximum limit?
A: The subsidy is the difference between a 4% interest rate and the normal rate charged by eligible banks, with a maximum limit of 8%.

Q: Is there a specific deadline for submitting applications for this scheme?
A: No, there is no deadline for submitting applications under the "Interest Subsidy on Loans" scheme.

Q: Could you explain the process for submitting the application form, including mandatory steps?
A: Interested applicants must fill the prescribed form, attach required documents, and submit it to the Directorate of Fisheries in Panaji, Goa.

Q: What is the application mode for the scheme, and is there any application fee?
A: The application is offline, and there is no application fee for the "Interest Subsidy on Loans" scheme.

Q: Are self-help groups eligible for the scheme, and if so, what are the criteria?
A: Yes, self-help groups are eligible, including fish farmers and women groups engaged in fisheries-related activities.

Q: What is the criteria for eligibility in inland fisheries, specifically regarding ownership or leasing of fishing-related activities?
A: Eligibility requires ownership or leasing of fisheries-related activities, possession of necessary licenses, and compliance with state-specific fisheries regulations.

Q: Could you clarify the interest subsidy for prompt loan repayment in the short-term category?
A: Farmers who promptly repay loans receive a 4% interest subsidy in the short-term category.

Q: What is the maximum loan amount provided under the "Interest Subsidy on Loans for Agriculture and Allied Activities" scheme?
A: The scheme offers loans up to [?]5,00,000 for individuals in the fisheries sector.