The NABKISAN WASH social bond, India’s first social bond dedicated to water, sanitation and hygiene, has been listed after raising ₹180 crore. NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of NABARD, issued the five-year bonds at a coupon of 8.10%, and the issue was oversubscribed 1.8 times, according to reports published on October 3, 2026.
The bonds carry CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable) ratings and are listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). They mature in September 2031. The Ministry of Finance listed the development among its press releases for the day.
What Is the NABKISAN WASH Social Bond Meant to Fund?
Proceeds are earmarked to expand access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions across rural and underserved communities, with the stated aim of improving health outcomes and livelihoods. Water.org served as Technical Advisor and Knowledge Partner for the issue, alongside other market institutions and arrangers.
What Do the Key Terms Tell Investors?
The 8.10% coupon over five years, combined with dual AAA ratings, positions the paper as a high-quality fixed-income instrument with a defined social-impact use of proceeds. The 1.8x oversubscription indicates that investor demand exceeded the ₹180 crore on offer. NABARD Chairman Dr Shaji Krishnan V said the issuance demonstrates the potential of innovative financing mechanisms in addressing critical development priorities.
Market and Trade Reaction
No secondary-market price movement, yield comparison or analyst commentary on the bond was found in the sources reviewed, so none is reported here. The issue is notable mainly as a first for the WASH theme in India’s social bond market.
What Happens Next?
The bonds run to September 2031. Readers tracking the segment should watch for further thematic social-bond issues from NABARD group entities and for disclosures on how the ₹180 crore is deployed in rural WASH projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NABKISAN WASH social bond?
It is a ₹180 crore, five-year social bond issued by NABKISAN Finance Limited, a NABARD subsidiary, whose proceeds fund rural water, sanitation and hygiene solutions. It is described as India’s first social bond exclusively for the WASH sector.
What is the coupon and rating of the bond?
The coupon is 8.10% and the bonds are rated CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable).
Where is the NABKISAN WASH social bond listed?
It is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and matures in September 2031.
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