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Cargills Bank Supports Local Dairy Industry in partnership with Kotmale and National Agri Development Programme
Mon, 19 Sep 2016

Cargills Bank is channeling its resources to revitalize the dairy industry in partnership with Kotmale Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s foremost dairy company.

Leveraging Kotmale’ s access to over 15,000 dairy farmers in the country Cargills Bank is driving financial inclusion among smallholder farmers to build on their entrepreneurial spirit, by extending them the necessary financial and technical support to elevate and increase milk output. Cargills Bank is also raising awareness on financing options and best practices while obtaining optimal returns.

In order to cement its commitment to the dairy farming population, Cargills Bank has included the National Agri Development Programme for Dairy Farmers into its SME portfolio. This programme is conducted in collaboration with Kotmale, NADEP promoted by the Presidential Secretariat to support 2400 dairy farmers and its objective is to empower dairy farmers to enhance their access to finance. Under this programme, Cargills Bank will provide low cost funding to augment the government grant provided to them to purchase cattle sheds, milking machines, grass cutters and fodder cultivation, directly resulting in enhanced yields and living standards.

Milking machines given to dairy farmers

Milking machines given to dairy farmers

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As an initial step, the Bank will provide farmers with loans at low interest rates and in some instances at a zero interest rate based on their past performances, without collaterals. Cargills Bank is making rapid strides in the programme, already having engaged 2000 small scale farmers and 700 medium scale farmers.

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The loans schemes for small scale farmers are provided interest-free within a stipulated framework while medium scale farmers are entitled to loans at an attractive interest rate of 6.5%. The Bank provides further assistance by allowing for adjustable repayment schemes and settlement offers.

Whilst providing a range of dedicated financial solutions to empower the dairy industry, support and guidance is also provided by Kotmale to strengthen the value chain – starting from purchasing dairy farmer produce, installing chilling centers, conducting programs to enhance management and technical capabilities, coupled with low interest rate lending.

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Leveraging on the synergies of the Cargills Group, assistance and expertise is also provides in a number of related key areas that helps these entrepreneurs propel their business forward.

Adding further value to this programme, Cargills Bank will also introduce SME knowledge forums that will help build and nurture entrepreneurial capabilities and interactive knowledge sharing sessions that will address topics that will be beneficial to dairy businesses. Cargills Bank believes that educating their customers on such aspects is vital as it bears long term benefits for the clients and helps them develop a more sustainable business over time.

About Cargills Bank

Cargills Bank is a fully fledged commercial bank providing value propositions across all customer segments that it serves. All products in the Bank’s SME portfolio are available through the 11 Cargills Bank branches located in Colpetty (Head Office), Old Moor Street, Maitland Crescent, Matara, Maharagama, Vavuniya , Hawa-Eliya , Thanamalwila,  Kurunegala, Jaffna, and Chunnakam.  Cargills Bank has a strong focus on SMEs and offers a comprehensive suite of financial solutions that offers flexibility to address the varying needs of different SME segments. Positioning itself on the premise of ‘Banking on the Human Spirit,’ Cargills Bank is committed to delivering the best possible banking experience for its customers that surpasses expectations.

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