JAMMU: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has estimated a credit potential of ₹49,795.58 crore under Priority Sector for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2026-27.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today released the focus paper during the Credit Seminar organised by NABARD.
The seminar provided a forum for the policymakers, bankers and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction over the launch of the focus paper by NABARD. He underscored the theme “Last Mile Credit Inclusion: Reaching the Unreached”, describing the Potential Linked Plan (PLP) as a crucial planning instrument that guides credit flow and development priorities. He said that NABARD’s projections are realistic and achievable, emphasizing the need for universal coverage of Kisan Credit Cards with timely and adequate credit. He appreciated the role of RIDF in strengthening infrastructure.
Stressing a shift from subsistence to commercially viable agriculture, the Chief Secretary called for greater focus on infrastructure, processing, value addition, term lending, niche crops and suitable tweaks in KCC, highlighting medicinal and aromatic plants as income-enhancing opportunities.
The Chief Secretary advocated an integrated approach involving universities, banks and line departments. He urged attention to sectors like wool processing and fisheries and emphasized supporting SHGs and “Lakhpati Didis” as emerging entrepreneurs through credit. He also highlighted the success of Mission YUVA, the need for skill-based lending over collateral, promotion of homestays to decentralize tourism, technology upgradation and traceability in handicrafts and described ULI as a potential game changer requiring focused rollout in J&K. He also distributed micro ATMs among the Banking Correspondents (BCs) affiliated with J&K Grameen Bank.
The Focus Paper outlines sector-wise credit projections with a strong thrust on agriculture and allied sectors, MSMEs, farm and non-farm activities besides rural infrastructure. Emphasis has been laid on enhancing the agriculture credit flow, strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Rural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, improving productivity and area expansion in horticulture crops such as apple and saffron and promoting handloom and handicrafts through value addition, structured marketing support and Geographic Indication (GI) registration.
Earlier, Vikas Mittal, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge (GM/OIC), NABARD, highlighted NABARD’s continued commitment towards strengthening rural credit flow, agriculture, allied activities, MSMEs and rural infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his address, he emphasized NABARD’s role in collaborative planning, close coordination with stakeholders and targeted development interventions to unlock the vast economic potential of the region.
Pertinently, NABARD is driving inclusive development in Jammu & Kashmir through credit planning, agricultural modernisation, digital traceability projects and value chain support for FPOs. It has strengthened rural infrastructure via major RIDF investments, launched a Rural Business Incubation Centre at SKUAST K, supported GI tagging of local products, deepened MSME lending, expanded financial inclusion through CFLs, RSETIs, micro ATMs and literacy camps and fully digitised PACS to enhance last mile credit delivery.
Meanwhile, exhibition stalls highlighting NABARD’s initiatives in line with the seminar theme, ‘Reaching the Unreached,’ were arranged as part of the programme.
Manohar Lal, General Manager, NABARD in his vote of thanks reaffirmed NABARD’s commitment towards working closely with all partners to translate the projected credit potential into tangible outcomes and sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.