<h1>Government Boosts Farmer Credit to Rs. 5.75 Lakh Crore for 2012-13; Offers Incentives for Timely Loan Repayment.</h1> The government has implemented several policy measures to increase institutional credit availability for farmers, setting a target of Rs. 5,75,000 crore for the agriculture sector in 2012-13, up from Rs. 4,75,000 crore in 2011-12. Domestic and foreign banks are mandated to allocate a portion of their credit to agriculture. The Interest Subvention Scheme provides short-term crop loans at a 7% interest rate, with additional incentives for prompt repayment. The Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008, has relieved Rs. 52,275.55 crore in farmer debt, benefiting 3.45 crore farmers, facilitating access to new loans.