By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Bhubaneswar:In a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s economic foundation, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has projected a priority sector credit potential of ₹3.15 lakh crore for the state in the financial year 2026–27. The projection was unveiled during the State Credit Seminar held in Bhubaneswar, alongside the release of the State Focus Paper (SFP).

The assessment reflects Odisha’s expanding economic landscape, with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector emerging as the primary driver. Of the total projected credit, MSMEs are expected to attract ₹1.52 lakh crore, highlighting their growing role in employment generation and industrial development. Agriculture follows closely with an estimated credit potential of ₹1.14 lakh crore, reaffirming its central place in the state’s rural economy.

Beyond these major sectors, substantial opportunities have been identified in housing, education, renewable energy, social infrastructure, export finance and allied activities, indicating a diversified approach to Odisha’s development.

The high-level seminar was chaired by Chief Secretary Ms.Anu Garg and witnessed the participation of senior policymakers, banking leaders and regulatory officials. Among those present were Senior officials from government departments and representatives of major financial institutions added to the deliberations.

In her inaugural address, Chief Secretary Ms. Anu Garg linked the credit roadmap to Odisha’s long-term development ambitions under Vision 2036. Chief Secretary Ms.Anu Garg underlined that achieving the goal of becoming a developed state by 2036 and contributing to a USD 1.5 trillion national economy by 2047 would require coordinated efforts from government, industry and the banking sector.

Chief Secretary Ms.Anu Garg called upon banks to strengthen their preparedness to meet the rising demand for credit and support emerging enterprises. Appreciating the state’s success in empowering Self-Help Groups and farmers, she stressed the importance of helping them move beyond subsistence activities.

“SHGs must evolve into sustainable small enterprises, and farmers should be encouraged to become agripreneurs,” she observed, while drawing attention to the ‘missing middle’—small and mid-sized enterprises that often struggle to access formal finance.

Highlighting the need for inclusive growth, Anu Garg urged banks and line departments to work in close coordination to accelerate lending for agri-infrastructure, warehousing, off-farm employment and women-led enterprises.

The seminar concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to translate the credit projections into tangible outcomes on the ground. With a strong focus on MSMEs, agriculture and inclusive finance, NABARD’s roadmap is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Odisha’s economic trajectory in the coming years.