The “Interest Subsidy on Loans for Agriculture and Allied Activities” scheme is implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa. It provides financial assistance by offering loans of up to ₹5,00,000 for activities in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The scheme is designed to lower the interest burden on eligible beneficiaries, ensuring better financial support for investments in these sectors.
Benefits
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Loan Provision:
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Eligible beneficiaries can secure a loan of up to ₹5,00,000.
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Interest Subsidy:
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Short-Term Loans:
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A 4% interest subsidy is provided to farmers who repay their loans promptly.
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Long-Term Loans:
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The interest subsidy is calculated as the difference between a 4% interest rate and the normal interest rate charged by eligible banks, with a maximum subsidy limit of 8%.
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Eligibility
For Inland Fisheries:
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The applicant should own or lease fisheries-related assets (e.g., ponds, tanks, open water bodies, raceways, hatcheries, or rearing units).
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Must possess the necessary licenses for fish farming and related activities.
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Eligible applicants include individual fishers, fish farmers (whether individual or in groups), self-help groups (SHGs), joint liability groups (JLGs), and women groups.
For Marine Fisheries:
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The applicant should own or lease a registered fishing vessel/boat.
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Must possess the necessary fishing license/permissions for fishing in estuaries and the sea.
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Should be engaged in fish farming, mariculture, or other state-specific fisheries activities.
Application Process
Offline Process:
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Obtain Application Form:
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Request the prescribed application form from the Department of Fisheries.
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Fill and Prepare:
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Complete all mandatory fields in the application form.
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Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required) and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
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Submit Application:
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Submit the completed and signed application form along with all supporting documents to the concerned authority at:
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Department of Fisheries, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa – 403521, or
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The appropriate BDO Office/Sub-Offices of the Department of Fisheries.
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Documents Required
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Quotation/Bill:
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A quotation or bill from the dealer for the equipment or service being financed.
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Proof of Identity:
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Aadhaar Card of the applicant.
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For Marine Fisheries (if applicable):
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Vessel Registration Certificate.
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Fishing & Net Licence Receipts.
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Bank Loan Proof:
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A letter from the bank confirming the loan details.
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Permission Documents:
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Copy of the permission letter issued by the Directorate of Fisheries for constructing a canoe/trawler/purseiner or for the purchase of a new net.
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Coastal Aquaculture Certificate:
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Copy of the certificate issued by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority for the construction/renovation of prawn farming (if applicable).
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Inspection Report:
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An inspection report from a Fisheries Officer.
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Mandate Form:
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A duly filled mandate form for the beneficiary.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the official website of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa?
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The official website details are available on the Citizen’s Charter and “Contact Us” section.
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Is there a specific format for the application form?
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Yes, the application form is available from the Department of Fisheries.
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What are the contact details for the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa?
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Contact details can be found on the official website and the Citizen’s Charter.
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Are Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) eligible?
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Eligibility criteria should be checked on the official guidelines, which may include specific provisions for PwDs.
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How can grievances be lodged?
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Grievances can be registered with the Department’s Grievance Redressal Officer or via the email link: [email protected].
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Is there any age-related criteria for this scheme?
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Specific age criteria are not mentioned; however, applicants must be bona fide agriculturists or individuals in the animal husbandry/fisheries sector.
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How is the interest subsidy on long-term loans calculated?
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It is determined as the difference between a 4% interest rate and the bank’s normal rate, subject to a maximum limit of 8%.
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Is there any deadline for submitting applications?
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The scheme follows offline application procedures; applicants should refer to the latest official notifications for deadlines.
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What is the process for submitting the application?
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The process includes obtaining the application form, filling it out, attaching the required documents, and submitting it to the designated authority.
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Is there an application fee?
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The scheme details do not indicate an application fee.
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Are self-help groups eligible?
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Yes, self-help groups and joint liability groups are eligible.
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What is the eligibility criterion for inland fisheries?
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The applicant must own or lease fisheries-related assets and possess the necessary licenses for fish farming.
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Can you clarify the interest subsidy for prompt repayment in the short-term category?
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For short-term loans, a 4% interest subsidy is provided for prompt repayment.
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What is the maximum loan amount provided?
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Loans can be availed up to ₹5,00,000.
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How are subsidy funds disbursed?
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Subsidy amounts are released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account via EFT/RTGS/NEFT, following verification and sanction by the department.
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