Maib is distinguished by its active involvement in supporting the agricultural sector, offering innovative strategies and financial products to meet the complex needs of farmers. In an exclusive interview for AGROEXPERT, maib Regional Director, Constantin Popovici, emphasized the bank's commitment to the sustainable development of agriculture.
What are the options and financial instruments available to support the development of the agricultural sector?
Maib provides constant and reliable support for the agricultural sector, from the beginning of the agricultural year, starting with the works and until harvest. The bank's approach and strategy are individually tailored to customer needs and expectations. The available financial products aim at financing working capital, granting loans for investments and implementing new technologies.
How do you approach the assessment of risk associated with agricultural financing?
Undoubtedly, the risk in the agricultural sector is more emphasized compared to the situation 2-3 years ago, being influenced by the geopolitical situation in the region and agro-climatic calamities, such as soil drought. In terms of risk management, we approach clients individually, taking into account the production plan, the modeling of individual schedules based on employment, the realization plan, the grace period of up to 6 months for interest payments and up to 8 months for loan payments.
What programs or credit lines are available to farmers or micro, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises?
Maib supports the financing of the agricultural sector both from its own resources and from international financial organizations ones. Our offers include:
- Loans for financing working capital, intended for agricultural producers - micro and small-sized enterprises
Purpose - replenishment of working capital (purchase of raw materials, materials, fuels, fertilizers, payment of suppliers);
Amount – up to 70% of the previous year's turnover, including unsecured 1,500 thousand MDL;
Period – up to 36 months;
Loan grace period - up to 8 months annually and 6 months for interest;
Flexible schedule - depending on the production and sales plan;
Commission fee for advance payment - zero.
- loans in partnerships - for procurement of goods from partners
Purpose - procurement of goods under collaboration contracts (partnership) fixed/current means;
Amount – 100% of the value of the asset (without VAT), but not more than 4,000 thousand MDL, including unsecured 1,500 thousand MDL, but not more than 30% of the previous year's turnover;
Period – up to 36 months (working capital) or 60 months for investments;
Loan grace period - up to 8 months annually and 6 months for interest;
Flexible schedule depending on the production and sales plan;
Commission fee for advance payment - zero.
How do you get involved in the local agricultural community and understand the needs of farmers in detail?
Maib is present in every village and town by professional specialists who offer consultancy and solutions to customers in the agricultural sector, ensuring a quick and qualitative service from an operational point of view. The bank is active at fairs, exhibitions and other events organized by professional associations and partners, in order to be close to customers and understand the needs and challenges they face.
Appreciation comes from customers, and a satisfied customer is recognition of a successful product. This appreciation inspires us to surpass ourselves and continuously improve our products and services to meet and exceed our customers' expectations.
What are the main challenges facing farmers in the northern region where you represent maib HUB?
These include optimizing expenses and reducing production costs, improving production quality, adopting new technologies, including those aimed at minimizing tillage and maintaining soil moisture, restoring irrigation systems and, last but not least, developing the value chain by focusing on processing raw material into value-added products, cooperation between small farmers within cooperatives.
Maib provides constant support and encourages projects that contribute to the development of the value chain, such as in the horticultural sector by financing cold storage, fruit sorting and packing lines. It is also actively involved in supporting the implementation of new technologies, including by financing energy efficiency projects.
The implementation of new technologies in agriculture is another crucial moment for reducing costs, increasing productivity and improving the production quality. Maib supports and encourages this process by granting financing in the framework of investment loans, offering extended terms and attractive interest rates.
Agriculture starts from love for the land, for the country. Farmers are the heroes of this country. Maib shares the passion for agriculture, supporting farmers' businesses and initiatives.
For legal persons which are our customers, maib has dedicated a special call line, 1314, where businesses can receive advice or direct support. More details about the products and the advantages of doing banking together with a strong and reliable partner such as maib, customers can also find out on the website, on the maib business pages in social media and, of course, in any maib branch.
