Concept:
In agricultural finance, various types of security are used to protect the lender's interest. The primary difference between these terms lies in who retains physical possession of the asset and what rights the borrower has over it during the tenure of the loan.
Step 1: Define the core condition.
The question specifies a situation where the borrower keeps and uses the asset (equipment) but cannot sell it because the lender has a legal claim on it until the debt is repaid. This is a common arrangement for movable assets like tractors or machinery.
Step 2: Analyze the term "Hypothecation".
Hypothecation is a legal transaction where the borrower offers a movable asset as security for a loan without transferring physical possession to the lender. The borrower continues to use the equipment for productive purposes, but the ownership is "charged" to the bank. The borrower is prohibited from disposing of or selling the asset without the lender's consent.
Step 3: Distinguish from other options.
* Mortgage: Usually refers to immovable property (land/buildings) where interest is transferred to the lender.
* Unsecured loans: Advanced based on creditworthiness without any asset as backing.
* Collateral security: A general term for any additional security provided to a lender.