The document discusses the importance of institutional credit for agricultural growth and economic development in India. It notes that historically, agriculture has relied on informal credit sources that charge very high interest rates. The document outlines the establishment of institutional credit for agriculture in India via programs like priority sector lending and the Kisan credit card scheme. It finds that increased access to institutional credit is linked to higher agricultural productivity, food production and reduced farmer debt. However, it also flags issues like declining credit to agriculture from commercial banks and a need for expanded access to affordable credit via microfinance and technological solutions.