Jammu., Feb 3: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has projected a credit potential of ₹49,795.58 crore under the priority sector for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2026–27.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo released the Focus Paper during a Credit Seminar organised by NABARD, which brought together policymakers, bankers and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
Addressing the seminar, the Chief Secretary welcomed the release of the Focus Paper and highlighted its theme, “Last Mile Credit Inclusion: Reaching the Unreached.” He described the Potential Linked Plan (PLP) as a vital planning tool for guiding credit flow and development priorities, noting that NABARD’s projections are realistic and achievable. He stressed the importance of universal coverage of Kisan Credit Cards with timely and adequate credit and appreciated the role of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in strengthening infrastructure.
Calling for a shift from subsistence farming to commercially viable agriculture, Dulloo emphasised the need to focus on infrastructure, processing, value addition, term lending and niche crops. He highlighted medicinal and aromatic plants as key income-enhancing opportunities and urged suitable refinements in Kisan Credit Card schemes.
The Chief Secretary advocated an integrated approach involving universities, banks and line departments, and called for greater attention to sectors such as wool processing and fisheries. He underscored the need to support Self-Help Groups and “Lakhpati Didis” as emerging entrepreneurs through enhanced credit access. Highlighting initiatives like Mission YUVA, he stressed the importance of skill-based lending over collateral, promotion of homestays to decentralise tourism, and technology upgradation and traceability in handicrafts. He also described the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) as a potential game changer for J&K and distributed micro ATMs among Banking Correspondents of 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, and rural infrastructure. It emphasises enhanced agriculture credit flow, strengthening of Farmer Producer Organisations, expansion of horticulture crops such as apple and saffron, and promotion of handloom and handicrafts through value addition, structured marketing and GI registration.
Earlier, Vikas Mittal, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge, NABARD, highlighted the institution’s continued commitment to strengthening rural credit flow, agriculture, allied activities, MSMEs and rural infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir through collaborative planning and targeted interventions.
The seminar also featured exhibition stalls showcasing NABARD’s initiatives aligned with the theme “Reaching the Unreached.” In his vote of thanks, NABARD General Manager Manohar Lal reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to translate the projected credit potential into tangible outcomes and sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.