Sitharaman Urges Regional Rural Banks to Boost Agriculture Credit

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to increase agriculture credit disbursement with a focus on horticulture and allied activities. During a northeastern states review meeting, she emphasized identifying the right beneficiaries and discussed business performance, technology upgrades, and MSME growth.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday directed Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to enhance their contribution to ground-level agriculture credit, with an increased focus on horticulture and allied activities such as piggery, poultry, dairy, and fisheries, according to officials.

During a review meeting held at the civil secretariat, Sitharaman urged RRBs to prioritize accurate identification of beneficiaries while sanctioning loans under various central schemes. The session reviewed the business performance of RRBs, discussed the need for digital technology upgrades, and emphasized fostering growth in allied agriculture and MSME clusters.

The meeting included RRB and sponsor bank chairpersons, RBI, NABARD, and SIDBI representatives, and senior officers from the northeastern states.

(With inputs from agencies.)