NT Reporter
Panaji
The State Focus Paper 2026–27 for Goa, prepared by NABARD, outlined a priority sector credit potential of Rs 16,512 crore in the state, aimed at strengthening credit flow to agriculture, MSMEs, fisheries, allied sectors and green initiatives, in alignment with Goa’s vision of inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth.
The total priority sector credit potential of
Rs 16,512.53 crore marks a 29% increase over the previous year’s estimate of
Rs 12,803.53 crore. Of this, Rs 5,159.10 crore (31.25%) has been assessed for agriculture and allied activities, Rs 10,800.06 crore (65.40%) for the MSME sector and Rs 553.37 crore (3.35%) for other priority sectors.
The paper was unveiled by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the NABARD State Credit Seminar held in Panaji on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Sawant appealed to NABARD and banks to roll out a new system in which farmers, youth, women and self-help groups would get loans immediately and easily, so that this would help them build their businesses in the state.
“The credit loans given by the banks should be helpful to the farmers, self-help groups and youth to create assets and capital to foster their self-employment,”
he said.
The Chief Minister further said that there are a number of schemes for the agriculture and fisheries sectors, and that these sectors can grow in Goa if they get support from NABARD and banks in the form of credit loans.
He also called upon banks to treat fisheries as a sunrise sector and partner with fishermen and entrepreneurs to ensure that every fisheries household moves towards higher income, dignity and a
secure future.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated the women farmers of Goa, recognising them as the true pillars of the rural economy and inspiring champions of women-led development, in the presence of Dr V Candavelou, Chief Secretary, Sandra Rodrigues, Deputy General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India, along with representatives from various government departments and regional heads of banks in the state.
He urged NABARD, banks and financial institutions to actively support initiatives like GoVAN through timely credit, working capital and market-linked finance for SHGs, women-led groups, local entrepreneurs and rural producers, so that it grows into a larger movement strengthening village incomes while preserving Goa’s natural heritage.
