Patna: In a major step toward accelerating Bihar’s economic growth and strengthening rural livelihoods, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has projected a credit potential of ₹2.80 lakh crore for the financial year 2026–27. The roadmap focuses on key sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, and rural infrastructure to enhance income and employment opportunities across the state.
The roadmap was unveiled through the State Focus Paper, aimed at guiding banks in expanding credit flow to farmers, youth, and small entrepreneurs.
State Focus Paper Released by Ministers
The NABARD State Focus Paper was officially released by senior Bihar ministers, including:
- Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav
- Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal
- Agriculture Minister Ramkripal Yadav
- Cooperative Minister Pramod Chandravanshi
During the event, ministers raised concerns over Bihar’s low Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio of 57.36%, one of the lowest in the country. They questioned why deposits made by residents are not adequately converted into loans within the state and urged banks to improve lending, especially to farmers.
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Strong Push for Agriculture Sector
Agriculture remains a key focus area in the roadmap, with a total credit potential of ₹1,24,558.45 crore allocated to the sector.
Key allocations include:
- Crop Loans: ₹69,336.19 crore to ensure timely availability of seeds, fertilizers, and inputs
- Animal Husbandry & Dairy: Around ₹18,000 crore to promote livestock and dairy expansion
- Fisheries: ₹2,972.89 crore to boost fish production and allied activities
These measures aim to improve farm productivity, increase farmers’ income, and strengthen allied agricultural activities.
Major Boost for MSMEs and Rural Enterprises
The MSME sector has been allocated a significant ₹1,24,147.60 crore credit potential, making it one of the largest focus areas.
This initiative is expected to:
- Support small businesses and startups
- Encourage women entrepreneurs
- Strengthen rural youth employment
- Promote traditional and cottage industries
By improving access to finance, NABARD aims to reduce migration and generate sustainable livelihoods within the state.
Focus on Education, Housing and Social Infrastructure
The roadmap also highlights investments in human development and infrastructure:
- Education Loans: ₹4,586.56 crore
- Housing Sector: ₹11,132.55 crore
- Social Infrastructure: ₹6,087.53 crore for schools, healthcare centers, and sanitation
These allocations are expected to improve quality of life and create long-term socio-economic benefits.
Renewable Energy and Rural Infrastructure Push
NABARD has also emphasized sustainable development by allocating:
- ₹1,589.25 crore for renewable energy projects such as solar and biogas
Additionally, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ earnings:
- ₹7,951.16 crore for cold storage and warehouse infrastructure
- ₹6,218.03 crore for food processing units
These initiatives aim to strengthen the agricultural value chain and ensure better price realization for farmers.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Rural Growth
The NABARD roadmap is designed to expand financial inclusion by connecting farmers, MSMEs, and rural entrepreneurs to the banking system. Based on this plan, banks will now set district-wise lending targets, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive credit distribution across Bihar.
With a strong focus on agriculture, rural industries, and infrastructure, the initiative is expected to boost economic activity, generate employment, and enhance income levels in rural areas.
