<h1>Regional Rural Banks Surpass Lending Targets for Small Farmers and Weaker Sections, Boosted by New Government Schemes.</h1> Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) exceeded their lending targets to Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) and weaker sections, including SCs/STs, from 2018 to 2021. The Reserve Bank of India's revised guidelines set a target of 18% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit for agriculture, with 9% for SMFs, and 15% for weaker sections. RRBs surpassed these targets, aided by measures like the Kisan Credit Card scheme and an interest subvention scheme. The government also raised collateral-free loan limits and introduced new schemes for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries farmers. NABARD provided significant refinance to RRBs to enhance credit availability.