Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 (KNN) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged bankers to focus on credit flow to farmers, self-help groups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to revive the state's economy.

While addressing a State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) meeting here on Thursday, the chief minister also said he would closely monitor loan advances to the three crucial sectors and review the progress with collectors and bankers jointly by the end of November.

He said credit to farmers, self-help groups and MSMEs is required, for which bankers'' support is essential.

“I am sure, all of you will rise to the occasion in helping the poor and needy, especially women, farmers and MSMEs,” he added.

Stating that the government is providing more than `600 crore for interest subvention to facilitate farmers get loan at zero percent up to `50,000 and at two per cent interest up to 3 lakh loan, the Chief Minister said that the ‘Balaram’ scheme has been launched to help sharecroppers.

Patnaik also said that the state government is also providing interest free loan up to `3 lakh to women SHGs of Mission Shakti.

 ''The state has also designed some interest subvention scheme to boost the MSME sector,'' the chief minister added.

Expressing condolences to the families of bankers who have lost their lives due to the infection, Patnaik appreciated the efforts of the banking community for extending their services.

"Apart from doctors and other healthcare staffers, bankers are also COVID warriors as you are central in our fight to revive and restore livelihoods," he said.