NABARD Schemes Kerala
What is NABARD?
NABARD stands for the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
It is an apex development financial institution that supports agriculture, rural development, credit planning, and infrastructure funding in India.
NABARD plays an important role in Kerala through:
- Refinancing banks that lend to farmers
- Supporting agriculture and rural infrastructure projects
- Promoting self-help groups and rural livelihoods
- Funding micro-irrigation and farm development programs
- Supporting dairy, poultry, fisheries, and allied activities
- Encouraging financial inclusion in rural areas
NABARD schemes help farmers and rural entrepreneurs access institutional finance with lower cost and better support.
Available Schemes
Common NABARD-supported schemes and programs in Kerala include:
- Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF): For rural roads, bridges, irrigation, and infrastructure
- Farm Sector Projects: Support for farm mechanization and development
- Micro Irrigation Support: Assistance for drip and sprinkler systems
- Dairy Development Projects: Credit-linked support for dairy units
- Poultry and Livestock Projects: Assistance for animal husbandry activities
- Fisheries Development: Support for fish ponds, cages, and aquaculture
- Warehouse and Storage Projects: Funding for post-harvest infrastructure
- Producer Organization Support: Support for farmer collectives and FPOs
- Self-Help Group Linkage Programs: Credit support for women and rural groups
Scheme availability depends on state priorities and annual NABARD guidelines.
Eligibility
Eligibility for NABARD-linked schemes generally includes:
- Indian citizen or registered rural institution
- Farmer, self-help group, producer company, cooperative, or rural entrepreneur
- Project in agriculture, allied sector, or rural development
- Viable business or project plan
- Land or asset documents where required
- Bank account and Aadhaar linkage
- Compliance with scheme-specific guidelines
- Approval from lending bank or implementing agency
Exact eligibility depends on the specific scheme being applied for.
Loan Assistance
NABARD provides loan assistance mainly through refinance and project support.
Loan assistance may include:
- Refinancing to banks for agricultural lending
- Project loans for farm infrastructure and allied enterprises
- Credit-linked support for dairy, poultry, fishery, and horticulture
- Working capital support through partner banks
- Long-term infrastructure finance for rural projects
- Special focus on small and marginal farmers
- Support for FPOs and rural collectives
Applicants usually receive NABARD-linked support through their bank or implementing institution rather than directly from NABARD.
Subsidies
Subsidy support under NABARD-linked programs may include:
- Capital subsidy for certain agriculture and infrastructure projects
- Interest support or concession under select programs
- Subsidy for micro-irrigation systems
- Support for farm machinery and post-harvest units
- Assistance for rural entrepreneurship projects
- Special support for small and marginal farmers in some schemes
- Government-backed funding through convergence with other departments
Subsidy rules change based on scheme, sector, and budget allocation.
Application Process
NABARD scheme application process usually follows these steps:
- Identify the suitable scheme or project category
- Prepare project report or activity plan
- Contact the bank, agriculture office, or implementing agency
- Submit application form with required documents
- Bank or agency evaluates project feasibility
- Site inspection or verification may be conducted
- Loan or subsidy approval is processed
- Agreement and sanction documents are executed
- Funds are released as per project stage
- Completion reports and utilization proofs may be required
For many schemes, the bank acts as the first contact point for the applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NABARD give loans directly to farmers?
Usually no. NABARD supports farmers mainly through banks and implementing agencies.
Can small farmers apply for NABARD schemes?
Yes, many schemes are designed to benefit small and marginal farmers.
Are subsidies guaranteed under every NABARD scheme?
No, subsidies depend on the specific scheme and current government guidelines.
What documents are needed for NABARD-linked projects?
Common documents include Aadhaar, bank details, land records, project report, and identity proof.
Can dairy and poultry units get NABARD support?
Yes, allied activities like dairy, poultry, and fisheries often receive support under NABARD-linked programs.
Is a project report mandatory?
For most project-based assistance, yes, a basic project report is required.
Where should I apply for NABARD schemes?
Apply through your bank, agriculture office, or the agency handling the specific scheme.
Does NABARD support rural infrastructure only?
No, it also supports agriculture, credit, farmer collectives, and allied rural livelihoods.
Related Guides
You may also find these guides useful:
- Agricultural Loan Kerala
- Drip Irrigation Subsidy Kerala
- Crop Insurance Kerala
For related farming services, refer to Agricultural Loan Kerala, Drip Irrigation Subsidy Kerala, and Crop Insurance Kerala.