EFFECT OF MICRO-CREDIT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN SELECTED VILLAGES OF DISTRICT ATTOCK

The present study examines the effects of micro-credit disbursed by the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP) to enhance the agriculture production in three selected villages in district Attock during 2000. It studied the effects of micro-credit on cropping intensity, wheat and vegetable production. It also looked the obstacles in obtaining credit from ADBP. Fifty-five loan recipients from three villages were contacted to a face-toface survey. The results showed that the loan recipients were 31 to 50 years old. More than half of the samples had no education. All of them owned the land they till, and majority farm 31-60 kanals. All used credit to purchase inputs, which increased cropping intensity. The most notable increase was observed in wheat and onion production. Due to proper credit utilization, household incomes increased. Majority reportedly received credit on time and found ADBP staff courteous and respectful. However, two- thirds found the procedures for getting loans time consuming and noted delays in loan disbursements.