Nabard raises crore through India's first social impact bond
ECONOMY & POLICY

Nabard raises crore through India's first social impact bond

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has successfully raised INR 1,041 crore through its five-year social impact bond, featuring a coupon rate of 7.63%. This issuance marks Nabard's debut in the realm of externally certified AAA-rated social bonds in India, as confirmed by the institution in an official statement. The bonds have received AAA ratings from both CRISIL and ICRA.

Nabard had initially set a base issue size of INR 1,000 crore, along with a green shoe option of an additional INR 2,000 crore. According to market observers, investors had sought a higher interest rate on this special bond. Still, Nabard was determined to maintain a coupon rate consistent with its existing bonds.

Ajay Manglunia, Managing Director and Head of the Investment Grade Group at JM Financial, explained, "In the morning, the yields were on the higher side, and Nabard's bond falls into the social sector special category. The investor base for such causes, particularly in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), is relatively limited. Consequently, Nabard faced challenges in raising the required amount without offering a higher coupon."

He further added, "Investors were demanding slightly higher rates than those typically seen in Nabard's bonds. Considering the achieved pricing, it more or less aligns with the prevailing rates for Nabard's regular bonds."

Nabard's successful issuance of this social impact bond underlines the growing interest in socially responsible investments and demonstrates its commitment to supporting rural and agricultural development initiatives.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has successfully raised INR 1,041 crore through its five-year social impact bond, featuring a coupon rate of 7.63%. This issuance marks Nabard's debut in the realm of externally certified AAA-rated social bonds in India, as confirmed by the institution in an official statement. The bonds have received AAA ratings from both CRISIL and ICRA. Nabard had initially set a base issue size of INR 1,000 crore, along with a green shoe option of an additional INR 2,000 crore. According to market observers, investors had sought a higher interest rate on this special bond. Still, Nabard was determined to maintain a coupon rate consistent with its existing bonds. Ajay Manglunia, Managing Director and Head of the Investment Grade Group at JM Financial, explained, In the morning, the yields were on the higher side, and Nabard's bond falls into the social sector special category. The investor base for such causes, particularly in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), is relatively limited. Consequently, Nabard faced challenges in raising the required amount without offering a higher coupon. He further added, Investors were demanding slightly higher rates than those typically seen in Nabard's bonds. Considering the achieved pricing, it more or less aligns with the prevailing rates for Nabard's regular bonds. Nabard's successful issuance of this social impact bond underlines the growing interest in socially responsible investments and demonstrates its commitment to supporting rural and agricultural development initiatives.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

NCC Founder and Padma Shri Awardee AVS Raju Passes Away at 89

Dr Alluri Venkata Satyanarayana Raju, founder and Chairman Emeritus of NCC Limited and a Padma Shri awardee, passed away in Hyderabad on 13 October 2026. He was 89.Born on 18 April 1937 in Antarvedipalem village in Andhra Pradesh's erstwhile East Godavari district, Raju began his entrepreneurial journey in 1956. He established Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) Limited in 1978, which subsequently emerged as one of India's leading construction and infrastructure companies.Under his leadership, NCC became a public limited company in 1990 and expanded into one of India's prominent listed constr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Embraer to Acquire 51 Per Cent Stake in Mahindra Aerospace Arm

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer will acquire a 51 per cent equity stake in Novavayu Aerospace, a step-down subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra, under an Investment Agreement notified by the automobile company in an exchange filing. The transaction will give Embraer control of the aerospace business. Following completion of the acquisition, Novavayu Aerospace will cease to be a wholly owned subsidiary and become an associate of Mahindra Defence Systems, which is a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra. The agreement is expected to be completed on or before December 1. Mah..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

RBI Opens Special Dollar Window for Three State-Run OMCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened a special facility to meet the entire daily US dollar requirements of three public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), in a move aimed at easing pressure on the Indian rupee. The facility will take effect on October 12, 2026, and remain available until further notice. Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation are eligible to use the arrangement. Under the facility, the RBI will sell US dollars to the three companies through designated banks, allowing them to meet their oil-import payments without sourc..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code