Agricultural Institutions and Schemes

A network of specialised institutions and schemes supports Indian agriculture, from credit and marketing to irrigation and food security.

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IndEco0053 · Indian Economy

Supporting the Farmer

Eight institutions covering credit, marketing, storage, and food security

NABARD

Credit and development support for the rural economy.

RRBs

Direct loans to marginal farmers, since 1975.

Kisan Credit Card

Timely credit access for farmers’ agricultural needs.

NAFED

Agricultural marketing and procurement support.

e-NAM

Online platform connecting markets across India.

Central Warehousing Corp

Public godowns for storing agricultural produce.

AGMARK

Quality certification for standardised produce grading.

NFSM

Targeted support to boost key food crop production.

Every Stage Covered

These institutions collectively address different points of vulnerability in a farmer’s journey, from planting through to final sale.

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Credit and Marketing: NABARD to e-NAM Need to Know

• NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) provides credit and development support to India’s rural economy.
• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), established in 1975, give direct loans to marginal farmers and rural borrowers.
• The Kisan Credit Card Scheme gives farmers timely access to credit for agricultural needs.
• NAFED, India’s National Cooperative Marketing Federation, supports agricultural marketing and procurement.
• e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform connecting agricultural markets across India.

Storage, Grading, and Food Security Support Good to Know

• The Central Warehousing Corporation builds and runs public godowns for storing agricultural produce.
• AGMARK, the quality certification mark for Indian agricultural produce, ensures standardised grading.
• The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) aims to boost production of key food crops through targeted support.

Test Yourself

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1. The Central Warehousing Corporation, responsible for building and running public godowns for storing agricultural produce, was established in which year?

1950

1957

1965

1972

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Why This Layered System Matters Great to Know

• India’s layered agricultural support system, spanning credit, insurance, storage, and marketing, reflects the sector’s continued central importance despite its shrinking GDP share.
• Digital platforms like e-NAM aim to modernise agricultural marketing, reducing farmers’ dependence on local middlemen for fair prices.
• These institutions collectively address different points of vulnerability in a farmer’s journey, from planting through to final sale.

Current Affairs

• On 23 June 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched NAFED’s e-auction portal, NAFEX.in. He also launched three related initiatives: DRISHTI, ERP, and NAFED Kalyan. (Source: PIB)
• NAFED was near closure in 2014. It now serves over 74 lakh farmers, with turnover up from ₹20,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore, and profit at ₹500 crore. (Source: PIB)
• Shah said NAFED and NCCF aim to buy every grain of pulses directly from farmers, within two years. This would cut out middlemen and pay farmers within 48 hours. (Source: PIB)
• NAFED also announced a scholarship scheme. It will earmark 1% of its profits, for higher education and career support to farmers’ children. (Source: PIB)