India's 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.
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.
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.
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.
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