Banks in Karnataka have reported a disbursement of ₹2,47,754 crore towards the agriculture sector in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026, as against their target of ₹2,22,203 crore, said Bhavendra Kumar, executive director, Canara Bank, in Bengaluru on Tuesday (May 26).

Speaking at the 175th State Level Bankers’ Committee meeting held at Vidhana Soudha, he said banks have achieved 111% of their allotted target during the fourth quarter. For the MSME sector, they achieved a growth of 106% and the total priority sector grew 108%. Mr. Kumar exhorted the banks to continue the good performance during FY27.

Shalini Rajneesh, State Chief Secretary, who chaired the meeting, reviewed the State’s performance — bank-wise and district-wise — under sub-sectors such as Total Credit, Total Deposits, Priority Sector, and Target Achievements.

She also advised bankers and government departments to work in unison for smooth and seamless integration of development activities for better implementation. Further, she reviewed all development schemes/government-sponsored schemes and advised the banks to clear all pending applications. Ms. Rajneesh also instructed the bankers to on-board the NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) Self-Help Group Business Correspondent (BC) Sakhis as BC agents in all gram panchayat locations.

Kaya Tripathi, regional director, Reserve Bank of India, emphasised on the preparation of a road map for Financial Inclusion 2025-30. She highlighted the importance of the integrated portal for data updating.

Banks have to work towards the set target and achieve the same well in advance, urged Surendra Babu, chief general manager, NABARD.

Other participants included Uma Mahadevan, additional chief secretary and development commissioner, Government of Karnataka, Shambhu Lal, chief general manager, Canara Bank, Bhaskara Chakravarthy M., general manager, Canara Bank, and Shreenath Joshi, general manager, Canara Bank.