Ranchi: The state Nabard unit has estimated a potential bank credit of Rs 98,871.67 crore to priority sectors in 2026-27 with the maximum allocation for the MSME sector, according to the ‘State Focus Paper’ released at the state-level bankers’ committee meeting on Monday.Nabard chief general manager Deepmala Ghosh said, “State focus paper provides a clear and realistic assessment of sectoral potential and credit needs across the state. It helps align institutional finance with local priorities and guides banks and stakeholders in planning their interventions effectively. It is a practical and relevant tool for supporting a balanced and sustainable development.”The paper stated that a credit potential of Rs 30,599.97 crore, which is around 31% of the total loans, has been assessed for agriculture and allied sectors with a projection of Rs 14,366 crore for crops loans and Rs 13,734 crore for term loan to agriculture and allied activities. The credit for agriculture infrastructure and ancillary activities has been projected at Rs 2,499.16 crore. The estimation for MSMEs is Rs 57,842 crore, accounting for 58.5% of the total credit potential.The paper stated, “The projection reflects the central role MSME plays in industrial growth and employment generation. There is a strong scope of expansion of MSME linked to mineral, manufacturing hubs, traditional industries, Stand Up India and other schemes.”The other priority sectors comprising housing, education, export credit, renewable energy, loans to self-help groups and social infrastructure is estimated at Rs 10,429 crore, around 10.55% of the total projection.In 2022-23, the target for priority sectors of Rs 36,636 crore was exceeded with the figure reaching Rs 40,671 crore. The positive trend continued in 2023-24 when a figure of Rs 49,975 crore was achieved against a target of Rs 47,985 crore. However, in 2024-25, despite a substantial target of Rs 70,000 crore, the achievement stood at Rs 52,569 crore.
