India, Maharashtra, and World Bank Sign $210M Loan to Boost Agribusiness, Empower Women, and Promote Climate-Smart Farming.

The Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and the World Bank have signed a USD 210 million loan agreement to support Maharashtra's Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project. This initiative aims to enhance smallholder farmers' participation in competitive agricultural value chains, boost market access, and improve crop resilience against floods and droughts. The project will benefit over one million farming households, with a focus on empowering women-led enterprises. It seeks to increase private sector investments, improve market access, and promote climate-smart agriculture practices. The project aligns with Maharashtra's goal to double agricultural exports and transform the rural economy sustainably.