L&T Finance Holdings on Tuesday said it will borrow $125 million (about Rs 1,038 crore) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for on-lending to women and other segments.
The two entities have signed a financing pact, under which 40 per cent of the money will be allocated to women borrowers, while the rest will support farmers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and loans to purchase new two-wheeler vehicles, including electric two-wheelers.
The loan is being raised from JICA as part of a co-financing agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) in addition to $125 million it had raised from ADB in November last year.
LTFH’s chief financial officer Sachinn Joshi said the agreement with JICA is a substantial step toward driving sustainability and positive business impact.
“This long-term loan also helps us take forward our ongoing strategy of diversifying funding sources for the company,” Joshi added.
JICA said poverty alleviation is a “pressing issue” as about 90 per cent of India’s “impoverished population” resides in rural areas and the income growth rates are decreasing.
LTFH’s chief sustainability officer Apurva Rathod said there is a “steady” economic growth in rural areas, but despite that, accessing financial services remains a challenge.
“A large percentage of marginal farmers lack formal access to credit, with women being disproportionately affected,” Rathod said, adding that the lending activities will enhance economic resilience.
The LTFH scrip closed 1.40 per cent down at Rs 155.50 on the BSE.
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First Published: Mar 12 2024 | 6:47 PM IST