“It is observed that agriculture and allied GDP grows higher in one year and relatively low in the following year, may be due to base effect or monsoons,” he said. The agri GDP grew 1.9 per cent in FY13 and is expected to grow to 5 per cent in FY15, he said, adding if it “grows lower in FY15, it would be difficult for banks to achieve agricultural credit target.”
Additionally, the growing NPAs will also make it difficult for banks to achieve the targeted growth in farm lending, he said.
However, Ghosh welcomed the Budget announcements on education loans and cutting of excise duties. Government will be picking the interest tab for educational loans given till March 2013.
“This particular provision augurs well for banks to regularise educational loan accounts which went irregular due to loss of growth momentum in the economy and decline in job opportunities,” Ghosh said.
On the decision to cut excise duties on automobiles, Ghosh said banks may look at a revival in auto loans segment, which has been hit due to the sluggish demand for automobiles.
