SBI To Expand MSME, Agriculture And Digital Banking In Eastern Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi, Jul 21 (KNN) State Bank of India (SBI) plans to strengthen its presence across Eastern Uttar Pradesh by expanding support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, tourism and digital banking.

SBI Deputy General Manager Kumar Anand said the bank's business remains well diversified across deposits, retail, agriculture, MSMEs and corporate banking, supported by an extensive network of branches, ATMs, business correspondents and digital channels.

Focus On MSMEs And ODOP Clusters

Anand said Eastern Uttar Pradesh has a strong MSME base in sectors such as handloom, handicrafts, carpets, brassware, textiles and food processing, with SBI providing credit support across these industries.

The bank is actively financing enterprises under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, including Banarasi silk, Bhadohi and Mirzapur carpets, brassware, black pottery and other district-specific industries.

SBI also plans to expand digital lending, strengthen MSME credit penetration and support first-generation entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs and startups, reported Business Standard.

Support For Tourism Ecosystem

The bank is extending financial assistance to tourism-related businesses across destinations including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Chitrakoot and Vindhyachal.

Credit is being provided to hotels, guest houses, homestays, restaurants, tour operators, transport operators and other tourism enterprises for new projects, expansion, modernisation and working capital requirements.

Agriculture Remains Key Priority

According to Anand, agriculture continues to be a key focus area, with SBI financing crop cultivation, farm mechanisation, irrigation, warehousing and post-harvest infrastructure.

The bank also supports allied sectors such as dairy, fisheries, poultry, horticulture and beekeeping, while extending credit to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), agri-entrepreneurs and agri-based MSMEs.

Digital Banking Expansion Planned

SBI said it will continue expanding its digital banking ecosystem through the YONO platform, internet banking, mobile banking and end-to-end digital lending solutions.

The bank is also introducing digital savings accounts, pre-approved personal loans, digital MSME loans and digital agricultural loans, while leveraging artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics to improve credit delivery, operational efficiency and risk management.

According to the bank, future growth will focus on expanding banking access in underserved areas, strengthening CASA mobilisation and supporting sustainable economic development across Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

(KNN Bureau)