*ASHISH SHARMA (R.R.M. COLLEGE, Neemuch) Agriculture plays an important role in the development of the Indian economy. It accounts for about 19-21 per cent of GDP and about two thirds of the population is dependent on the sector. The importance of farm credit as a critical input to agriculture is reinforced by the unique role of Indian agriculture in the macroeconomic framework and its role in poverty alleviation. Agricultural finance is a subset of rural finance dedicated to financing agricultural related activities such as input supply, production, distribution, wholesale, processing and marketing. Financial service providers face distinct challenges when dealing with this sector. For example, the seasonal nature of production and the dependence on biological processes and natural resources leaves producers subject to events beyond their control such as droughts, floods or diseases. The modern agriculture has increased the use of inputs specially for seed, fertilizers, irrigational water, machineries, implements etc. which has increased demand for agricultural credit. The adoption of modern technology, which is capital intensive, has commercialized agricultural production in India. Besides, the farmer's income is seasonal while his working expenses are spread over time. In addition, farmer's inadequate savings require the uses of more credit to meet the increasing capital requirements. Furthermore, credit is a unique resource, since it provides the opportunity to use additional inputs and capital items now and to pay for them from future earnings.
The financial requirements of the Indian farmers are for, 1. Buying agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, irrigational water, machineries,plant protection chemicals, feed and fodder for cattle etc. 2. Supporting their families in those years when the crops have not been good. 3. Buying additional land, to make improvements on the existing land, to clear old