The “Interest Subsidy on Loans for Agriculture and Allied Activities” is a welfare scheme by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa. It offers financial support through interest subsidies on loans for individuals engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The scheme is designed to ease the credit burden for bonafide farmers, fishers, and related groups by providing loans up to ₹5 lakh with interest relief on both short-term and long-term loans.
Key Highlights of the Goa Fisheries Loan Scheme
• Scheme Name: Interest Subsidy on Loans for Agriculture and Allied Activities
• State: Goa
• Department: Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa
• Target Groups: Farmers, Fishers, Animal Husbandry Entrepreneurs, SHGs, JLGs, Women Groups
• Loan Amount: Up to ₹5,00,000
• Subsidy Type: Interest Subsidy (Short-term & Long-term loans)
• Application Mode: Offline
• Application Fee: None
Objectives
• Provide affordable institutional credit to individuals engaged in agriculture and allied activities
• Offer interest subsidies to reduce the repayment burden for both short-term and long-term loans
• Encourage timely repayment of loans through incentive-based interest relief
• Promote sustainable and productive fisheries, farming, and animal husbandry ventures
Benefits of the Scheme
• Loan Amount: Maximum of ₹5,00,000 for eligible activities
• Short-Term Loan Subsidy: 4% interest subsidy for prompt repayment
• Long-Term Loan Subsidy: Subsidy equals the difference between 4% and the bank’s standard interest rate, up to a maximum of 8%
• Beneficiaries include individuals and groups, ensuring inclusive financial support
• Focus on empowering rural communities and improving livelihoods
Eligibility Criteria
Inland Fisheries
• Must own/lease pond, tank, raceway, hatchery, open water body, or other fisheries-related units
• Should possess a valid license/permit for fish farming or fishing activities
• Eligible applicants include:
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Individual fishers/farmers
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Self-help groups (SHGs)
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Joint liability groups (JLGs)
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Women groups
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Sharecroppers, tenants
Marine Fisheries
• Should own or lease a registered fishing vessel or boat
• Must have proper fishing licenses/permissions for estuarine or sea fishing
• Eligible for mariculture/fish farming in marine environments
• Applies to both individuals and cooperative groups
How to Apply – Offline Procedure
Step 1: Visit the Department of Fisheries or your local BDO Office/Sub-Office to collect the application form.
Step 2: Fill out the form carefully and attach all required documents (self-attested copies where necessary).
Step 3: Paste a passport-size photo and sign across (if required).
Step 4: Submit the completed application to:
Directorate of Fisheries,
Dayanand Bandodkar Marg,
Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa – 403 521
OR
Submit at the BDO/Sub-Offices of the Fisheries Department.
Necessary Documents for Application
• Aadhaar Card of Applicant
• Quotation Bill for equipment or activity
• Vessel Registration Certificate (for marine activities)
• Fishing/Net License Receipts
• Letter from the Bank sanctioning or approving the loan
• Permission Letter from the Directorate of Fisheries (for boat/net construction)
• Certificate from Coastal Aquaculture Authority (for prawn farming)
• Inspection Report from concerned Fisheries Officer
• Bank Mandate Form
Grievance Redressal
• Email complaints to: dir-fish.goa@nic.in
• Grievances will be acknowledged and resolved within 30 days
• Contact the Department’s Grievance Redressal Officer for issues related to service delivery or delays
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the maximum loan amount under this scheme?
A: ₹5,00,000 per beneficiary for agriculture and allied activities.
Q: What is the interest subsidy for short-term loans?
A: A flat 4% interest subsidy is offered to farmers who repay promptly.
Q: What is the subsidy for long-term loans?
A: The difference between 4% and the bank’s actual interest rate, up to a maximum of 8%.
Q: Who can apply under marine fisheries?
A: Owners or lessees of registered boats with valid licenses for marine fishing.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A: The scheme guidelines do not specify an age limit, but general state eligibility rules apply.
Q: Are Self-Help Groups (SHGs) eligible?
A: Yes, SHGs, JLGs, and women groups are eligible under both inland and marine categories.
Q: How do I obtain the application form?
A: Visit the Directorate of Fisheries or your local BDO/Sub-Office to collect the prescribed format.
Q: What is the application fee?
A: There is no application fee for this scheme.
Q: Is the application mode online?
A: No, the scheme accepts offline applications only.
References & Useful Links
• Department of Fisheries – Government of Goa
• Application Form PDF
• Contact Email: dir-fish.goa@nic.in
• Official Address: Directorate of Fisheries, Panaji, Goa – 403 521