The Cooperation Department of Tamil Nadu has set a loan disbursement target of Rs 1.8 lakh crore for the 2026–27 financial year, marking an increase of Rs 30,000 crore compared with the previous year. The increase is largely attributed to the enhancement of gold loan eligibility. During the previous financial year, cooperative institutions disbursed approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore in loans to around 90 lakh beneficiaries. For the current year, the department aims to extend loans to between one crore and 1.1 crore borrowers across 30 categories. Gold loans are expected to contribute significantly to the overall target. The eligible loan amount against gold jewellery has been increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 per gram. Gold loan disbursements stood at approximately Rs 70,000 crore in the previous year and are projected to reach Rs 1 lakh crore during 2026–27. The crop loan target remains unchanged at Rs 17,000 crore for the current financial year. Additionally, Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated for loans to the animal husbandry and allied sectors, while Rs 5,000 crore has been earmarked to support rural businesses through a new lending initiative. A further Rs 11,446 crore has been allocated for loans intended to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of farmers, women, youth, transgender persons, persons with disabilities and other eligible beneficiaries. To speed up loan distribution, special camps will be organised at cooperative banks and societies every Tuesday for the Singapenn Entrepreneur Credit Scheme and housing loan schemes. Camps targeting other priority sectors will be conducted on Fridays. The initiative aims to expand access to cooperative credit, support agricultural activities, encourage rural entrepreneurship and provide financial assistance to eligible sections of society across Tamil Nadu.