The Reserve Bank of India issued the Regional Rural Banks (Undertaking of Financial Services) Amendment Directions, 2026 under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The amendment updates the 2025 Directions by adding “AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises” to Annex I. This enables Regional Rural Banks to participate in financing agricultural startups and rural enterprises as part of their permitted activities. Effective immediately, the move strengthens rural credit systems, promotes innovation in agriculture, and advances financial inclusion by directing RRBs to support development-oriented and agri-focused funding initiatives.
Reserve Bank of India
RBI/2026-27/19
DOR.STR.REC.26/21-04-048/2026-27 | Dated: April 27, 2026
Reserve Bank of India (Regional Rural Banks – Undertaking of Financial Services) – Amendment Directions, 2026
Please refer to Reserve Bank of India (Regional Rural Banks – Undertaking of Financial Services) Directions, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Directions’).
2. On a review, and in exercise of the powers conferred by section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby issues the Amendment Directions hereinafter specified.
3. The Amendment Directions modifies the Directions as under:
(1) Following shall be added to Annex I:
“2. AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises”
4. The above amendment shall come into force with immediate effect.
(Vaibhav Chaturvedi)
Chief General Manager
