Launches State Focus Paper 2026-27
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized that inclusive growth is the cornerstone of long-term peace and stability while launching the State Credit Focus Paper 2026-27 at the State Credit Seminar held at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal, on Wednesday.
The seminar, organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Manipur Regional Office, was held under the theme “Credit-Led Development in Manipur.” Addressing the gathering, Singh said, “Our government firmly believes that peace, stability, and development must go hand in hand. Without development, there can be no lasting peace. And stability cannot be sustained without inclusive growth. This is the foundational principle on which we will build our work.”
During the event, the Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated the TRIBES project in Churachandpur, funded with a grant assistance of Rs. 1.6 crore from NABARD. He described credit as a powerful catalyst for grassroots development, stressing that institutional credit support is vital for bridging development gaps in the state. Highlighting Manipur’s potential in horticulture, fisheries, handloom, and handicrafts, Singh urged banks and financial institutions to actively support Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), rural start-ups, agri-entrepreneurs, and Self Help Groups (SHGs). He assured that the state government is committed to working closely with the banking sector to improve credit absorption capacity and ensure effective project implementation.
The Chief Minister expressed appreciation for NABARD’s continued support and acknowledged the role of the Reserve Bank of India and other banks operating in the state. “Together, we must build a prosperous, resilient, and self-reliant Manipur,” he said.
State Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, also present at the seminar, noted that the event brought together government officials, banks, financial institutions, and community organizations to deliberate on mobilizing credit for inclusive growth. He highlighted the enduring partnership between the Government of Manipur and NABARD in strengthening the rural credit ecosystem.
Dr. Goel revealed that the State Focus Paper projects a total credit potential of around Rs. 3,500 crore for 2026-27, with 51 percent earmarked for agriculture and allied activities, 37 percent for the MSME sector, and 12 percent for other priority sectors. He observed that while agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods, fragmented land holdings and rising climatic risks necessitate diversification and value addition to enhance farm incomes.
Partha Mandal, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of NABARD’s Manipur Regional Office, described the State Focus Paper as a master document for planning and credit monitoring. He explained that it was consolidated from the Potential Linked Plans of all 16 districts of Manipur. Mandal also highlighted the TRIBES project inaugurated by the Chief Minister, calling it a testament to NABARD’s commitment to inclusive growth and community development in the hill districts.
The seminar was attended by N. Sridhar, Chief General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Reserve Bank of India, Imphal, SLBC convenor, senior state government officials, heads of financial institutions, banks, and representatives of self-help groups.
The launch of the State Focus Paper 2026-27 marks a significant step in aligning credit planning with Manipur’s development priorities, reinforcing the government’s vision of inclusive growth as the foundation for peace and stability.