LUCKNOW, July 15 -- Uttar Pradesh agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi on Tuesday directed banks to ensure timely disbursal of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans to all eligible and needy farmers through a special drive that will continue until July 31.

Chairing a review meeting with representatives of banks and agricultural insurance companies here, he expressed dissatisfaction over the current functioning of lead banks and other financial institutions regarding KCC implementation. Shahi asked all banks to work on a war footing and provide necessary credit to farmers without delay.

During the meeting, the minister sought detailed data on KCC loans disbursed by each bank. When the responses from bank officials failed to satisfy him, he in...