National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development estimates Nagaland’s credit potential at INR 3,088.27 crore, with MSMEs receiving the largest share.
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KOHIMA — National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on Tuesday assessed Nagaland’s total credit potential at INR 3,088.27 crore for the financial year 2026–27, with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector emerging as the single largest focus area.
The projection was released through “The State Focus Paper 2026–2027” during the State Credit Seminar held at Hotel D Oriental Grand, Kohima, by NABARD’s Nagaland Regional Office, Dimapur.
According to the paper, the MSME sector has been assessed with a credit potential of INR 1,355.02 crore, reflecting NABARD’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers of economic growth. Agriculture has been assessed with a credit potential of INR 1,050.63 crore, while the remaining allocation covers other priority sector activities aligned with the state’s developmental priorities and emerging opportunities.
Releasing the document, P Bulte, General Manager/OIC, NABARD Nagaland, said the State Focus Paper provides an indicative roadmap for the next five years. He said NABARD provides grants ranging from INR 6 to 7 crore annually to various agencies and stressed the need for stronger convergence among stakeholders for tangible and sustainable development.
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Bulte also said NABARD is promoting entrepreneurship and skill development and is supporting innovative projects, including two Japanese-model piggery farms — one each in Peren and Mokokchung districts.
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Orenthung Lotha, Commissioner and Secretary, Cooperation, highlighted challenges faced by unemployed youth in securing bank loans, stating that many project proposals are rejected by banks and that the government is not in a position to guarantee loans. He expressed hope that mechanisms could be developed to support entrepreneurs with viable business ideas.
He also pointed out delays in the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), noting that out of 231 sanctioned PACS, only 18 had completed online audit submission, which he said was affecting progress.
H Lalhlimpuia, State Level Bankers’ Committee Coordinator, Nagaland, said there is only one accredited warehouse in the state, located in Dimapur, which is largely used by the Food Corporation of India. He suggested that increasing warehouse facilities could support farmers and improve financing.
Sibo Nekhini, General Manager/OIC, Reserve Bank of India, Kohima, emphasised the need to improve data quality, stating that scientific assessment is difficult without reliable and consistent data.
Imtimenla, Additional Secretary, Finance, also addressed the seminar, while Amit Goutam, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, presented an overview of the report.