NABARD Estimates Priority Sector Credit Potential of ₹1427.84 crore for Ladakh.

NABARD Estimates Priority Sector Credit Potential of ₹1427.84 crore for Ladakh.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has estimated a credit potential of ₹1427.84 crore under the Priority Sector for the Union Territory of Ladakh for FY 2026-27. The Focus Paper was released during the Credit Seminar organised by NABARD on 24March2026 by Shri Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary to the Government of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Smt. Bhanu Prabha, IAS Secretary, Cooperative UT Ladakh, Shri Vikas Mittal GM /OIC NABARD J&K RO, Smt. Urmil Lata, DGM NABARD J&K RO and Smt. Tsering Wangmo, AGM UTLBC Ladakh also graced the seminar among senior officials of the UT administration, Bankers and other stakeholders. The seminar provided a forum to deliberate on strategies aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
The Chief Guest, Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, Chief Secretary, in his keynote address, emphasized the need for NABARD’s support in training and capacity building of cooperatives in Ladakh, along with handholding assistance for credit linkages with banks.He further requested NABARD’s supportfor establishment of a Project Management Unit to assist the administration in planning and implementing initiatives in agriculture and rural sectors. Further, he proposed setting up of a consultative group comprising different departments and NABARD to enhance convergence and collaboration for developmental activities in the UT. Shri Kundra also highlighted the need for targeted interventions for promoting income-generative activities in Vibrant Villages of UT Ladakh. The Chief Secretary appreciated the ongoing efforts of NABARD in the region and stressed the importance of undertaking more integrated projects in close coordination with the UT administration.
Shri Vikas Mittal, General Manager & Officer-in-Charge (GM/OIC), NABARD, welcomed the participants and highlighted NABARD’s continued commitment towards strengthening rural credit flow, agriculture, allied activities, MSMEs and rural tourism in Ladakh. In his address, he emphasized NABARD’s role in collaborative planning, close coordination with stakeholders, and targeted development interventions to unlock the vast economic potential of the region.
A detailed presentation on the UT Focus Paper 2026–27 and NABARD’s key interventions in UT Ladakh was delivered by Shri Tsewang Dorjey, AGM, NABARD, Ladakh Sub Office, during the seminar.TheFocus Paper outlines sector-wise credit projections with a strong thrust on agriculture and allied sectors, rural tourism, farm and non-farm activities, and MSMEs. Emphasis has been laid on enhancing agriculture credit flow, strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) andimproving productivity and area expansion in horticulture crops such as seabuckthorn and apricot, and promoting handloom and handicrafts through value addition, structured marketing support, and Geographic Indication (GI) registration.
A presentation on one of the key NABARD-supported interventions, ‘Automated Ice Reservoirs’, was made by Shri Deepanshu from Acres of Ice, Aquamassifs Pvt. Ltd.
During the deliberations Smt.Urmil Lata, DGM NABARD, highlighted how NABARD is driving inclusive development in Ladakhthrough diverse interventions aligned with the region’s unique socio-economic and ecological needs. In addition to its central role in credit planning, NABARD’s support for Farmer Producer Organisations, capacity building, and value chain development in the pashmina sector, as well as initiatives in handicrafts, GI-linked products, and seabuckthorn promotion, has been substantial. NABARD’s focused work in natural resource management, including water resource management through artificial glaciers and automated ice reservoirs are well noted. These efforts collectively provide a strong roadmap for improving incomes, strengthening community institutions, and fostering resilient livelihoods across the Union Territory.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair.