Agribank Hoa Binh - friend of farmers

From actively competing to carry out major movements, the Farmers' Associations (FAs) at all levels in the province have led and accompanied local FAs to make efforts in production and business. The green color of prosperity gradually covers the fields, so that the countryside "changes its clothes" with a new rural appearance. Behind that change is a "long arm" that silently and persistently brings capital to every corner, lighting the fire of production and business for farmers. The friend of farmers - that is the familiar way many FAs call when referring to the loan capital from the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) to help them earn a living and get rich on their homeland.

Farmers in Thu Phong commune (Cao Phong) invested in developing beekeeping for honey using Agribank loans.

"In Hoa Binh, Agribank is not only a bank, but also a companion of farmers. Agribank provincial branch has gradually affirmed its important role in local socio -economic development. Not only providing capital, the bank also contributes to changing production thinking, improving the quality of life of many farmers", Mr. Bui Duc Bien, Vice Chairman in charge of the Provincial Farmers' Association affirmed.

The story begins with the Cooperation Agreement No. 03/TTHT, dated November 16, 2016 between Agribank and the Provincial Farmers' Association, realizing Decree No. 55/2015/ND-CP of the Government on credit policies for agricultural and rural development. After 8 years of implementation, the telling numbers have proven the effectiveness of this cooperation. By December 31, 2024, Agribank Hoa Binh's outstanding loans reached VND 13,709 billion, with 51,366 customers. Of which, outstanding loans for agriculture and rural areas were VND 9,678 billion with 50,548 customers, accounting for 70.5% of outstanding loans to the economy. Notably, Agribank has boldly lent up to VND 3,615 billion without collateral, creating conditions for poor farmers without valuable assets to access capital.

Instead of cumbersome and difficult-to-access procedures, Agribank chose the closest way to the people: through loan and savings groups. These groups are the bridge to bring capital to the people, a place for people to share experiences and support each other in business.

Not only stopping at lending, Agribank actively supports HVND in the production and business process. Over the past 8 years, the bank has coordinated with the Association at all levels to organize hundreds of scientific and technical training sessions, providing guidance on effective capital use. Thanks to that, many new and effective production models have been born, contributing to increasing farmers' income. Caring about the lives of HVND, in 8 years of implementing the cooperation agreement, Agribank provincial branch has donated 13 gratitude houses, worth a total of 650 million VND to HVND households in difficult circumstances.

Comrade Nguyen Huu Thang, Deputy Director in charge of operations of Agribank Hoa Binh Branch shared: "We always keep in mind that the development of Agribank must be closely linked to the prosperity of the people and the development of the locality. Therefore, Agribank always strives to create the best conditions for HVND to access capital in the most convenient and effective way."

However, the rural credit picture is not all rosy. There are still difficulties and challenges. Large areas, sparse population, uneven educational levels, small-scale production… are factors that significantly affect the implementation of credit policies.

In addition, risks of natural disasters, epidemics, market fluctuations, etc. are always present, threatening the stability of agricultural production. Bad debt and overdue debt are still a difficult problem, requiring the cooperation of banks, authorities and people. Overcoming all, Agribank provincial branches and the provincial Farmers’ Association still strive to coordinate and find solutions to bring credit capital to people in the most effective way.

In the period of 2025 - 2030, in order for farmers to continue to benefit from credit policies serving agricultural and rural development, Agribank provincial branch has agreed with the provincial Farmers' Association to continue to set goals and solutions, focusing on promoting propaganda so that people can better understand credit policies and access capital conveniently. Strengthen and innovate the operations of lending and savings groups, so that these organizations are increasingly strong, operate effectively, and truly become "extended arms" of Agribank; increase the application of technology to reduce costs and transaction times, helping people access banking services quickly and conveniently. Diversify credit products to suit the needs and production conditions of each region and each customer group...

Thu Hang

Source: https://baohoabinh.com.vn/12/200931/Agribank-Hoa-Binh-nguoi-ban-cua-nha-nong.htm