Rabo, Caspian fund to promote agriculture-business in India

Rabo Rural Fund (RRF) has tied-up with investment advisory firm Caspian Impact Investments for providing partial guarantee cover to the loans given by the firm to agri-businesses in India.

Under the partnership, Caspian will recommend eligible sustainable agri-businesses SMEs to RRF using its own internal due diligence standards and will also provide subsequent portfolio monitoring and surveillance support to RRF on the underlying SMEs.

The aim is to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, as well as enhancing sustainable economic development in a socially responsible manner, Rabo Bank said in a statement.

RRF Director Pierre van Hedel said, "Because of the established warm relationship between Caspian and Rabobank India and their shared network in local communities, Rabo Rural Fund will be able to reach out to small holder farmers in India in a sustainable manner."

This partnership will also enable Caspian to deepen its presence in the food and agriculture sector in India.

As of June, Caspian has funded 10 agri SMEs and producer companies across the agri value chain.

Caspian is an investment advisory firm that invests capital in socially responsible, multiple bottom line businesses delivering financial and social value.

Caspian Impact Investments is the third fund managed by Caspian and is supported by equity from international impact investors.

Netherlands based Rabo Bank group is an international full-range financial services provider founded on cooperative principles.

The group's operations include banking, asset management, leasing, insurance and real estate services, serving 8.8 million clients in 40 countries.