Agricultural Credit as a Catalyst for Agricultural transformation in Goa: An Empirical Analysis

Agricultural credit is a critical driver of agricultural transformation, particularly in regions dominated by small and marginal farmers. In Goa, agriculture is characterized by fragmented landholdings, rising input costs, labour scarcity, and increasing dependence on non-farm income sources. Timely and adequate access to institutional credit enables farmers to adopt modern technologies, diversify cropping patterns, and improve productivity and farm incomes. This study empirically examines the role of agricultural credit in facilitating agricultural transformation in Goa using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 240 farmers across 04 selected talukas of Goa through structured questionnaires, while secondary data were sourced from government reports, NABARD and RBI publications, and scholarly studies. The findings reveal that institutional credit has a significant positive impact on farm income and technology adoption, though its influence on crop diversification and capital investment remains limited. Procedural delays, collateral requirements, inadequate loan amounts, and limited awareness of schemes continue to constrain effective credit utilization. The study concludes with policy recommendations to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and developmental impact of agricultural credit in Goa.