Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2026-27/19 · issued 27 Apr 2026 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI issues Amendment Directions for Regional Rural Banks, adding AgriSURE to Annex I, effective immediately.
The rule, in the simplest words
Regional Rural Banks can now offer AgriSURE, a fund for start-ups and rural enterprises, as part of their financial services
This new service is added to the list of allowed activities, effective immediately
Banks must update their internal policies and procedures to include AgriSURE
The goal is to support rural entrepreneurship and financial inclusion
How it plays out — a real example
A business development officer at a Regional Rural Bank in a small town can now use AgriSURE to help local farmers and start-ups access funding, promoting economic growth and development in the area. This officer can review the new amendment and update the bank's policies to start offering AgriSURE to eligible customers. By doing so, the officer is supporting the bank's goal of increasing financial inclusion in rural areas.
What changed
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended the Directions for Regional Rural Banks by adding 'AgriSURE - Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises' as item 2 in Annex I.
What it means for you
This amendment adds AgriSURE to the list of financial services Regional Rural Banks may undertake, effective immediately.
What you must do
Review and update internal policies and procedures to reflect the changes in the Directions.
Ensure compliance with the new requirements and submit necessary reports to the RBI.
Consider exploring opportunities to support rural entrepreneurship and financial inclusion through AgriSURE.
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What is AgriSURE?
AgriSURE is a dedicated fund for start-ups and rural enterprises, aimed at supporting rural entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
When does the amendment come into effect?
The amendment is effective immediately, as per the RBI's notification.
What are the implications of this amendment for Regional Rural Banks?
Regional Rural Banks must review and update their internal policies and procedures to reflect the changes in the Directions and ensure compliance with the new requirements.
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2026-27/19
DOR.STR.REC.26/21-04-048/2026-27
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
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2026-27/19 · issued 27 Apr 2026. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Example: if you are a Compliance officer at a bank this circular applies to (Regional Rural Banks), your first concrete step on “RBI Amends Directions for Regional Rural Banks” is: “Review and update internal policies and procedures to reflect the changes in the Directions.” (RBI issued this 27 Apr 2026).
Circular: RBI/2026-27/19 -- RBI Amends Directions for Regional Rural Banks
Issued: 27 Apr 2026
Action required: Review and update internal policies and procedures to reflect the changes in the Directions.
Action required: Ensure compliance with the new requirements and submit necessary reports to the RBI.
Action required: Consider exploring opportunities to support rural entrepreneurship and financial inclusion through AgriSURE.
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.
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BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=13386&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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