RBI Allows Banks to Support AgriSURE Fund from April 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended multiple regulatory directions to allow a wider set of financial institutions to undertake activities under the AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises.

1. Expanded Scope of Permitted Activities

• Participation in AgriSURE has now been added as a permitted activity in the respective guidelines of regulated entities

2. Entities Covered

The amendment applies to a broad range of institutions, including:

• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
• All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs)
• Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
• Co-operative Banks
• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
• Local Area Banks (LABs)

3. Objective of the Move

The initiative aims to:

• Boost funding for agriculture start-ups
• Support rural enterprises and innovation
• Strengthen credit flow to agri-focused sectors

4. Regulatory Impact

• Encourages institutional participation in agri-financing
• Expands access to formal finance for rural businesses
• Aligns financial sector policies with developmental priorities

5. Conclusion

By enabling a wide range of regulated entities to participate in AgriSURE, the RBI is promoting a more inclusive and diversified funding ecosystem, supporting agriculture-led growth and rural entrepreneurship.