SHIV SHAKTI

International Journal in Multidisciplinary and Academic Research (SSIJMAR)

Vol. 2, No. 1, January-February (ISSN 2278 5973)

IMPACT OF REGIONAL RURAL BANKS ON RURAL

FARMERS - A CASE STUDY OF BELGAUM
DISTRICT

Dr. B. S. Navi*
ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of rural banking on rural farmers in Belgaum district. The
convenient sampling procedure was used to select 90 farmers and 12 workers at the regional rural banks
studied for the research. Frequencies, percentages and bar graphs were the major statistical tools used to
analyze the data collected from the regional rural banks. The article clearly states that higher rate of
interest on loans will reduces the loan borrowing ability of the farmers. That is, higher interest rates tends
to have an adverse effect on the development or growth of the farmers or businesses in India since they
depend very much on availability and accessibility to funds.
Key words: RRBs, Rural Farmers, Agriculture.

* Assistant Professor in Commerce,Coordinator PG Department of Commerce,DMS

Mandals Bhaurao Kakatkar College, Belgaum. Affiliated to Rani Channamma University,
Belagavi. e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], Mobile No.: 09844172735

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IMPACT OF REGIONAL RURAL BANKS ON RURAL FARMERS-A CASE STUDY

OF BELGAUM DISTRICT
Introduction
India is a nation of agriculture and its development depends on how effectively it is
financed by the various banks both for agriculture and industry. Both agriculture and rural
development have attracted the attention of the economist, planners and the social scientists
because they are providing strong base to the development of a nation.
In India Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) play an important role in providing financial
assistance for the development of agriculture and industry. The banks are state sponsored,
regionally based and rural oriented, functioning specially to meet the credit needs of the
weaker section of rural population including small and marginal farmers and landless
labourers. The present study is confined to the impact of RRBs on rural farmers.
Rural development is a major challenge to the Indian economists and policy makers
as it has huge population and that to in poor condition. To improve the socio economic status
of these people there is a need for the strong credit delivery system which can provide
liquidity to the poor individuals and various businesses. Rural development means the
activities undertaken by a country to develop remote areas into more economically sound
locations. RRBs accept customer deposits, make loans to individuals and businesses or
provide other financial services.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Since independence in 1947, the Indian government has made several attempts to
promote rural development in an effort to increase the living standard of the people who
reside in rural areas. These projects have failed for several reasons, including the high cost of
living for farmers, and the lack of coordination between government and various agencies.
More farmers in the rural areas do have problems in dealing with the RRBs, because they are
not well educated in order to understand various legal formalities and even to plan or write
their own business proposals. In addition, it becomes very difficult for the farmers to secure
loans because of the collateral securities demanded by the banks. Some of the banks even
look at the scale and size of the farm before granting loans. The important problem is the high
interest rates and other bank charges. This research therefore looked at the impact of these
RRBs on farmers in the rural areas.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
To find out the importance that RRBs have on farmers.
To find out the impact of RRBs on the rural farmers.
To find out whether RRBs do help all category of farmers in the rural areas.
To provide recommendations based on the findings of the research.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study would be a useful tool in the hands of the Ministry of Finance and the
Economic Planners. Also, it is envisaged that the result of this study would help to create an

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awareness of the function of the RRBs in the rural areas to the people of India and the policy
makers.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study was limited to the impact of RRBs on rural farmers. There are a number of
factors that boost rural development but very limited mention was made of them and their
impacts. The study was limited to selected farmers in Belgaum district. The study also has the
following limitations:
Problem of finance to cover larger population in interviewing and collecting information.
Time constraint is the biggest limitation of the researcher.
The data collected was from the memory of the farmers
LITERATURE REVIEW
The subject has been reviewed by using various articles published and from the
internet material. India is particularly interesting because its tiered system of different laws
and regulations for different types of institutions have evolved largely in response to local
conditions and because so many of its institutions are savings-based. The resulting system
resembles the tiered approach recommended by the World Banks study of microfinance
regulation (Van Greuning et al.) While Indias approach has fostered a wide range of both
formal and informal RMFIs (Rural and Micro-Finance Industry), it has not as yet been so
successful in achieving strong financial performance, significant scale, and true
commercialization of microfinance. The very purpose of rural development is to improve the
way of living of the people and assist them to get adjust with the changing situations. There is
evidence that loan recipients use the credit for purposes other than those for which the loans
are intended. According to the Chronicle paper (February 2008), The Deputy Minister of
Finance and Economic Planning, Professor George Gyan-Baffour, has indicated that high
interest rates charged by universal banks as well as savings and loans companies are killing
businesses in the country, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He said the
trend between lending and borrowing was still high since it is affecting the growth of
businesses in the country. According to him, the problem of high interest rates is an
impediment on the economy since it forces more businesses to close down.
THE RESEARCH DESIGN
The primary data has been collected by serving questionnaire to both farmers and
RRBs. The data so collected has been tabulated and simple percentage is calculated. The
survey design involves the collection and analysis of data, and finding out the answers
concerning the current status of the subject. This comprises observation of facts, collection
and classification of data, interpretation of data, application of facts and predictions.
SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
The convenient sampling procedure was used to select 90 farmers and 12 workers of
RRBs for examination. The sample drawn was according to the convenient of the researcher
because of the large area where farmers were largely scattered.

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DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

1. Findings from the Farmers

Table 1-Age Distribution of the Respondents
Age
Frequency
Percent
26-35
30
33.33
36-45
15
16.7
Above 45
45
50.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.

Cumulative Percent
33.0
50.0
100

From table 1, it is understood that out of 90 respondent farmers, 50% of the farmers
are within the ages of 26-45. While the other half are above the age of 45. Also none of them
are below the age of 26.
Table 2-Gender Distribution of the Respondents
Gender
Frequency
Percent
Male
45
50.0
Female
45
50.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey. Percent

Cumulative Percent
50.0
100.0

From table 2, it could be seen that half (50%) of the respondents are males, and
remaining half are females. They were drawn equally because the researcher wants to have
equal information from both males and females.

Table 3-Level of Education

Education
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Illiterates
27
30.0
30
Primary
18
26.0
56
PUC
24
26.7
82.7
Degree and Others
21
23.3
100
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Education Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent
From table 3, it is clearly understood that, 30% of the total respondents are illiterates
and majority of the farmers found to be educated. It shows that farmers are updating their
agricultural information.
Table 4-Marital Status

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Gender
Frequency
Percent
Single
15
16.7
Married
75
83.3
Total
90
100.0
C Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.

Cumulative Percent
16.7
100.0

It is understood from the above table that 83.3% of the respondents are married; only
16.7% of them are not married. It reveals majority of the farmers are married to support their
agricultural activities.
Table 5- Is Farming Your Only Occupation?
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Yes
15
16.7
No
75
83.3
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.

Cumulative Percent
16.7
100.0

Of the 90 farmers 75 (83.3%) of the respondents are into other businesses or works
along with farming occupation. Only 15 (16.7%) of them depend on farming as their main
occupation.
Table 6-Do You save Money at the Financial Institutions (Banks)?
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Yes
90
100.0
100.0
No
00
00.0
100.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
It is observed from table 6 that, all the farmers interviewed save their earnings in the
financial institutions. It means that, the farmers believe that todays savings will be the
biggest asset in the olden days or in future.
Table 7-Type of Accounts That Farmers Normally Open
Type of Account
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Savings A/C
60
66.7
66.7
Current A/c
30
33.3
100.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Cumulative Percent
Table 7 depicts that, 66.7% of the farmers do open savings account while 33.3%
opens current accounts. Those who opened the current accounts said they made that choice in
order to have faster business transactions.
Table 8- Have You Ever Applied For A Loan?

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Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Yes
60
66.7
No
30
33.3
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.

Cumulative Percent
66.7
100.0

From table 8, it is seen that of the 90 farmers, 60 have applied for a loan but 30
farmers did not even attempt to apply for a loan because of the fear of high interest rates.
Those who had the courage to borrow the money were required to bring a viable business
proposal or a business plan, two guarantors who are salary workers and collateral securities.
Table 9- Customers Views about the Interest Rates.
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Very high
90
100.0
100.0
Very low
00
00.0
100.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent
It is depicted from table 9, that the interest rates are too high for the small and poor
farmers. They are not affordable with the interest rates of the banks.
Table 10-Do Interest Rates Scare You from Borrowing from the Banks?
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Yes
90
100.0
100.0
No
00
00.0
100.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent
From the table 10, it is understood that 100% of the farmers are scared from
borrowing from the banks. As we can see from table 8 above, almost 33.3 % of the farmers
did not borrow from the banks just because of the legal formalities by the banks and also the
high interest rates.
Table 11- Do You Face Difficulty While Paying the Loans
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Yes
90
100.0
No
00
00.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.

Cumulative Percent
100.0
100.0

Out of the 90 respondents or farmers who said they borrowed from the bank, none of
them found it easy paying the loans back as shown in table 11 above. Some of them said they

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were able to pay back the loans by selling all or some of their farming assets. It means it is
very difficult to repay the loans.
Table 12- Does the High Interest Rate Affect Your Farming?
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Yes
90
100.0
100.0
No
00
00.0
100.0
Total
90
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent
From table 12, 100% of the farmers were affected by the high interest rates being
charged by the banks. The heavy interests are affecting the farming activities of the farmers.
No farmer is completely or partially free from the effects of the interest rates.

2. Findings from the Regional Rural Banks

Table 13-Type of the Accounts that Customers Normally Open
Type of Accounts
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Savings a/c
12
100.0
100.0
Current a/c
00
00.0
100.0
Total
12
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey. Cumulative Percent
From table 13, 100 percent of the employees interviewed at the only regional rural
banks at the area of study said the highest accounts being opened by the farmers is Savings
Account.

Table 14- Do You Grant Them Loans if They Apply?

Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Yes
12
100.0
100.0
No
00
00.0
100.0
Total
12
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent
From table 14, 100 percent of the workers said they grant loans to any farmer that
applies for a loan. They also clarify that, farmers have to bring their collateral securities and a
viable farming proposal or farming plan. They do this in order to protect the interest of the
bank and propel customers commitment to payment of the loan.
Table 15- Minimum Interest Rate Charged by Banks Per Loan
Rate of Interest
Frequency
Percent

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Cumulative Percent

11-15%
12
16-20%
00
Total
12
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.

100.0
00.0
100.0

100.0
100.0

Table 15 depicts that, the minimum interest rate charged by rural banks or financial
institutions ranges between 11-15% which is very high for the infant farmers to cope with.
This is because, 100% of the workers interviewed selected 11-15% as their minimum interest
rate.
Table 16- Do Your Customers Complain About the Interest Rates?
Opinion
Frequency
Percent
Cumulative Percent
Yes
12
100.0
100.0
No
00
00.0
100.0
Total
12
100.0
Source: Created by the researcher on field survey.
Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent
It is observed from table 16 that, 100% of the workers confirmed that, their customers
always complain about interest rates. Many times they will argue even with the bank charges.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
This study examined the impact of banking on rural farmers in Belgaum. It was found
out that all the farmers do save their monies at the financial institutions. In addition, the major
type of account they do open is a Savings Bank Account. 66.7 percent of the farmers have
applied for a loan. 33.3 percent did not even attempt to apply for a loan because of the fear
they have for the high interest rates. In addition, the interest rates are too high for the small or
peasant farmers to cope with. This is because, those who borrowed money from the bank,
found it difficult to pay the loans back. This resulted in the sale of assets and the collapse of
most of these farms. Further more, there was no specific relationship between the interest rate
and the demand for loan.
The banks also provide services like, Advisory, Safe custody, Mortgage financing,
Intermediary for lending and borrowing, Intermediary in international trade, Network for
businesses, Investment advisory, Brokerage, etc for individuals or companies.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study shows that, the higher the interest rate, the lower the demand for loans. In
addition, high interest rates cripple farming businesses. That is, higher interest rates tends to
have an adverse effect on the development or growth of farming or businesses in Belgaum,
since they depend very much on availability and accessibility to funds at reasonable or
favorable interest rates.
Based on the findings of the research, the following recommendations are made:
Additional financial institutions should be set up in the localities.

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Government should introduce measures to develop co-operations between the

financial institutions and farmers.
The Prime Rate charged by the banks should be minimised to allow the other financial
institutions to also reduce their interest rates.
Farmers should be educated about availability of loans and the benefits of it.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anin, T. E. (2000). Banking in Ghana, Accra: Woeli Publishing Services.
Moshi Conference 1969. The African Regional Conference on the Integrated Approach to Rural
Development, held in Moshi, Tanzania.
Okonjo, C. 1986. "The Concept of Development, in Rural Development in Ghana. Ghana
Universities Press, Accra, Ghana, 1-25.
www.rbi.org.in
Kudiabor, C.D.K.1974. "Policy Objectives and Strategies for Integrated Rural Development in
Ghana," in Rural Development in Ghana. Ghana Universities Press, Accra, Ghana, 26-32.
Opoku-Afriyie, Y. 1974. "Regional Development Authority and Rural Development." Greenhill
Journal of Administration 1 (1), 27-36. April-June.
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