The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) disbursed Rs 1.9 lakh crore under its short-term (ST) refinance facility during FY2025, of which 72% went to State Cooperative Banks (StCBs).
The scheme, aimed at meeting the production and working capital needs of farmers, weavers, and rural artisans, continues to channel the majority of credit through the cooperative banking network, reaffirming its grassroots importance.
Region-wise, the southern region led with 46% of total ST refinance, followed by the northern (18%), central (16%), and eastern (12%) regions. The western region accounted for just 8%, reflecting a comparatively smaller share.
Within categories, NABARD extended support under Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO), Additional SAO, and other short-term loans (including to weavers), thereby strengthening the role of cooperatives in catering to diverse rural credit requirements.
