New Delhi, Apr 14 (KNN) The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on Monday organised the national capital’s first-ever State Credit Seminar, marking the release of Delhi’s maiden State Focus Paper (SFP) for 2026–27.
The document projects a priority sector lending (PSL) potential of around Rs 2.62 lakh crore for the National Capital Territory, aimed at strengthening the flow of institutional credit to key sectors.
MSMEs Dominate Credit Projections
According to the SFP, MSMEs account for the bulk of the projected credit potential at approximately Rs 2.41 lakh crore, reflecting their central role in Delhi’s economic structure, reported The Economic Times.
The framework also outlines allocations for agriculture and allied activities, including farm credit (Rs 1,220.36 crore), agriculture infrastructure (Rs 230.72 crore), and allied sectors (Rs 2,833.11 crore).
Shift to Bottom-Up Credit Planning
Speaking at the event, Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the transition towards a bottom-up approach to credit planning, aligned with guidance from the Reserve Bank of India.
He noted that district-level Potential Linked Credit Plans (PLPs) have been developed to map sector-specific opportunities, ranging from self-help groups in East Delhi to MSMEs in central districts and agriculture-linked activities in peri-urban areas.
Focus on Emerging and Urban Agriculture Models
Despite Delhi’s urban character, the SFP identifies opportunities in agriculture through innovative models such as rooftop farming, vertical farming, organic cultivation, and agriculture-as-a-service platforms.
The report also emphasises strengthening the agriculture–MSME linkage to drive value addition, enhance incomes, and generate employment.
Support for Small and Emerging Enterprises
NABARD has proposed the introduction of a new category below micro enterprises, nano and mini units, to ease compliance and expand formal credit access for small-scale activities such as food processing, flour mills, and household manufacturing.
Additionally, the institution is promoting Geographical Indication (GI)-linked credit ecosystems to support artisans and traditional industries, with over 150 GI registrations facilitated so far.
Integrated Financing and Infrastructure Push
The SFP calls for integrated financing models combining term loans and working capital, alongside cluster-based development and upgradation of industrial areas.
It also aligns with PSL priorities by promoting credit flow to sectors such as renewable energy, social infrastructure, and affordable housing under schemes like PMAY-Urban.
Further, the paper highlights the need for convergence with funds such as the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) to address gaps in urban infrastructure, logistics, and storage.
The initiative marks a significant step in structured credit planning for Delhi, positioning MSMEs and emerging sectors as key drivers of growth and employment.
(KNN Bureau)
