PNB Launches Its 1st Monthly Agriculture Outreach Programme To Boost Rural Financing

Punjab National Bank, India’s leading public sector bank, successfully organised its first monthly nationwide Agriculture Outreach Programme on June 2, 2025. Aimed at supporting agricultural communities across the country, this initiative will continue to take place on the first day of every month, ensuring consistent engagement with farmers and agri businesses.

The programme took place in 22 zones and saw an active participation from both rural, semi-urban and urban agricultural communities. PNB facilitated this outreach through Krishi Chaupals, Digital Zones, and PNB Booths to enhance awareness and access to financing for a broad spectrum of agricultural needs.

Key Focus Areas:

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Strengthening SHGs with Micro Credit Plan-based financing to enable the expansion of business ventures.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Providing financial support for farm mechanisation, storage facilities, cold storage, and Custom Hiring Units to improve productivity and market access.
• Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME): Offering grants, loans, and subsidies to micro food processors for upgrading infrastructure, improving quality standards, and expanding market reach.
• Other Priority Areas: Supporting National Livestock Mission, Precision Farming, Hi-Tech Agriculture, and Food & Agro Processing Units, fostering innovation and rural development.

Commenting on the initiative, Sanjay Varshneya, CGM, Agri & FI Division, PNB, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to advancing India’s agricultural sector: “This monthly outreach initiative represents a pivotal step toward bridging the gap between financial institutions and the agricultural community. By fostering sustainable growth and promoting economic development in rural India, we aim to improve credit accessibility, enhance awareness of our digital lending solutions, and strengthen partnerships across the agricultural value chain. This ongoing programme underscores our dedication to empowering farmers and supporting the long-term resilience of the sector.”