Chandigarh, February 20, 2026: State Focus Paper for the state of Punjab for FY2026-27 was launched during State Credit Seminar organized by NABARD on 20^th February 2026. Sardar Harpal Singh Cheema, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of Punjab chaired the seminar. Sh. B Ramesh Babu, Chief General Manager, NABARD Punjab RO. Ms, Ritu Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary Cooperation, Government of Punjab; Shri Pankaj Setiya, General Manager, RBI, Shri Guriqbal Singh, Officer-in-Charge and General Manager, NABARD Haryana; Sh. G.K. Negi, Chairman, Punjab Gramin Bank, Shri R. K. Meena, DGM SLBC and other representatives from line departments, banks and agriculture universities participated in the seminar.

A potential of ₹3.09 lakh crore marking a 10.37% increase over the previous year has been estimated for lending towards priority sectors. ₹1.25 lakh crore i.e. 41% of the credit potential has been identified for agriculture sector and 43% for MSME sector.

Shri Harpal Singh Cheema, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of Punjab in his address stated that NABARD has worked closely with the State Government to strengthen Punjab’s economy. Calling Punjab the “Food Bowl” of the nation, he emphasised the need for crop diversification and improvement of groundwater levels. He also shared the State Government’s vision of “Har Khet Tak Paani.” He highlighted the importance of MSMEs, sustainable development and climate action, and appreciated NABARD’s role in ensuring credit flow to the farmers in the State. He also praised the State Focus Paper 2026–27 and the coffee table booklet on infrastructure released at the Seminar.

Sh. B. Ramesh Babu, CGM, NABARD explained in detail the process of preparation of Potential Linked Credit Plan at district level and culmination of the same as State Focus Paper (SFP) at state level. He expressed the vision to provide institutional financial services to the smallest actor of the economy. He highlighted the role of Punjab State in agriculture and overall economy of the country. He requested the bankers and other stakeholders to take initiatives to support the farmers to tackle the issues relating to soil salinity, alkalinity, groundwater depletion and increase the ground level credit to agriculture and allied activities.

Shri Pankaj Setiya, General Manager, RBI in his address thanked NABARD for organising the event and described the Seminar as a lighthouse for banks and a key credit roadmap for the State. He called for purposeful credit flow towards crop diversification and infrastructure, while ensuring financial sustainability. He reaffirmed RBI’s continued commitment, along with NABARD, to support the State’s development.

The efforts of NABARD in bringing out the States potential in the form of State Focus Paper was appreciated by one and all.