NABARD has released its State Focus Paper for the financial year 2026-27, estimating a total credit potential of ₹2,80,393 crore for Bihar under the priority sector. This assessment aims to boost the state economy and enhance employment opportunities in rural areas. The document was officially released by Bihar Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav along with other senior ministers and banking officials in Patna.
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District Wise Credit Distribution and Regional Disparity
The report highlights a significant gap in credit potential among the 38 districts of Bihar. Patna has been assigned the highest credit target, while smaller districts like Shivhar are at the bottom of the list. This difference in potential reflects the ongoing challenge of regional inequality within the state.
| District Name | Credit Potential (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| Patna | ₹35,762 |
| Shivhar | ₹1,355 |
| Total Bihar (Priority Sector) | ₹2,80,393 |
Sector Wise Breakdown of the Credit Plan
NABARD has categorized the credit potential into various sectors to ensure focused development across agriculture and small industries. The plan prioritizes crop loans, animal husbandry, and the MSME sector to strengthen rural livelihoods.
- Agriculture Sector: ₹1,24,558.45 crore for crops, dairy, and fisheries
- MSME Sector: ₹1,24,147.60 crore for small businesses and traditional industries
- Housing Sector: ₹11,132.55 crore for rural and urban housing
- Education Loans: ₹4,586.56 crore for students
- Social Infrastructure: ₹6,087.53 crore for schools and health centers
Concerns Over Low Credit-Deposit Ratio in Bihar
During the launch, Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav expressed concern over the state’s Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio, which is currently 57.36%. This is among the lowest in India, and the government has urged banks to improve lending to local farmers and entrepreneurs. Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh mentioned that the current credit projections might be insufficient given that Bihar is growing at a rate of 12-13%. Banks are now required to prepare branch-level plans to ensure that the identified potential is fully utilized for the state’s progress.
