पुढील दोन विधानांपैकी कोणते योग्य आहे ?
(a) अल्प मुदतीचे कर्ज केवळ 12 महिन्यांकरता दिले जाते.
(b) अल्प मुदतीचे कर्ज केवळ 9 महिन्यांकरता दिले जाते.
पर्यायी उत्तरे :

The correct answer is Option C (Neither).

Key Points:
• Classification of Agricultural Credit by Tenure:
• In Indian banking and RBI regulations, agricultural credit is categorized into three broad tenures:
• 1. Short-Term Loans (अल्प मुदत कर्ज): Disbursed for seasonal agricultural operations (crop loans for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), with repayment tenures up to 15 months (typically 12 to 15 months).
• 2. Medium-Term Loans (मध्यम मुदत कर्ज): For purchasing cattle, pumpsets, or light equipment, ranging from 15 months to 5 years.
• 3. Long-Term Loans (दीर्घ मुदत कर्ज): For land reclamation, tractors, and major dug-wells, extending beyond 5 years (up to 15-20 years).
• Because short-term credit is defined as extending up to 15 months, asserting that it is granted 'only for 12 months' or 'only for 9 months' is legally and conceptually false.
• Hence, Neither (Option 3) is correct.
• Key Takeaway: Short-term agricultural loans cover seasonal operations with repayment tenures up to 15 months (not restricted to only 9 or 12 months).