NABARD sanctions Rs 23.68 cr for Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8 (UNI) The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned Rs 23.68 crore for various projects in Kerala.

The amount, sanctioned from NABARD's Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF-XIII), was for irrigation projects in various districts, a release said here.

While Rs 16.88 crore had been allotted for works in Wayanad, Kasaragod, Palakkad and Malappuram districts, Rs 0.54 crore was sanctioned for four minor irrigation projects in Ernakulam district.

These projects would bring 3710.68 hectare under irrigation, thereby enhancing the productivity of various crops like paddy, banana, coconut, arecanut, pepper, cardamon, coffee, vegetables and improve water use efficiency, a release said.

Of the 72 projects, 62 would be implemented in distress districts of Wayanad (45), Kasaragod (16) and Palakkad (1).

Ninteen rural road projects, involving RIDF loan of Rs 6.26 crore, would be implemented in Kollam, Malappuram, Palakkad and Kasargod districts.

The 91 projects, sanctioned so far, is expected to generate non-recurring employment of around 5.76 lakh mandays.

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