Over 350 farmers and members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) gathered at an outreach programme to celebrate “Kisan Mah” (Farmers’ Month) and “Kisan Diwas” (Farmers’ Day) organised by the Madurai zonal office of Bank of India (BOI) in Tiruchi on Saturday.July 19 is celebrated as Kisan Diwas by the bank to mark the nationalisation of banks in India in 1969. Saturday’s programme included awareness talks on agricultural and rural banking schemes, financial literacy, and promotion of sustainable farming practices.Agricultural loans of up to ₹50 crore were disbursed to farmers and SHG members, from Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and Madurai districts as part of the celebrations.In his address, Vikas Kumar, general manager, BOI, encouraged people from rural areas to utilise various government schemes improve their livelihood. BOI has over 5,000 domestic and approximately 25 international branches.N. Jejeswara Rao, zonal manager, Madurai zone, spoke.Cultural programmes were presented by children and SHG members. Published - July 18, 2026 08:08 pm IST