KARACHI, Jan 2: The State Bank is launching the second phase of its special training programme from January 15 to create awareness regarding rural finance and to identify the handicaps the banks face in disbursement of farm credit.

A press release issued by SBP says the first programme would be held at SBP Banking Services Corporation Muzaffarabad office from January 15-17. Similar programmes would be held at Gujranawala (January 29-31); Islamabad (February 12-14); D. I. Khan (February 15-17); Multan (March 11-13); Bahawalpur (March 25-27) and Sialkot (April 8-10).

Trainers from SBP, Zarai Taraqiati Bank and five major banks (NBP, HBL, UBL, MCB, ABL) will conduct these programmes. The participants will include local and regional nominees of ZTBL, five major banks, Punjab Provincial Co-operative Bank, domestic private banks, chambers of agriculture and farmers' associations.

The final session of these programmes at all the centres would be chaired by SBP Economic Advisor Dr Abdul Naseer.