Huge gap between virtual and real India: Kamal Nath

New Delhi, Oct 8: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath today said a 9.4 per cent growth is sustainable only if it reaches the rural India and reduces the rural indebtness.

''There is a remarkable mismatch between virtual India and rural India. The 650 million people engaged in agriculture remain disconnected with the growth,'' Mr Nath said while inaugurating the Rural Business Summit organised by industry chamber Ficci.

Suggesting that the loan disbursement by the banks were leading to repayment problems on the part of the farmers, Mr Nath stressed that the biggest challenge India is confronting today is of rural indebtness.

''With the lending operations, the banks are making money, which they should. However, the ultimate burden to repay the loans fall on the farmers,'' Mr Nath said.

UNI