Chandigarh, July 21:- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has approved about Rs. 15,056 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to significantly expand the rural infrastructure sector in Haryana. This amount has supported 6,175 infrastructure projects across the state, through which irrigation, rural roads, drinking water facilities and other important infrastructure have been strengthened.
These achievements were highlighted today during the 45th Foundation Day celebrations of NABARD, in which Haryana Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Rastogi was the chief guest.
The Chief Secretary said that NABARD has emerged as an important partner in accelerating rural transformation and strengthening the agricultural economy in the state.
He said that NABARD has emerged as an effective vehicle for inclusive rural development. The future progress of the state depends on strong rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion and empowered community institutions. He said that to achieve the goal of 'Developed India-2047', government departments, financial institutions and grassroots organizations will have to work together towards building strong and self-reliant villages.
Recalling his tenure as Finance Secretary, Mr. Rastogi said that he got the opportunity to work closely with NABARD, due to which he saw the positive and constructive role of the institution in the development of the state. He said that with the financial assistance provided by NABARD at concessional interest rates, many important rural infrastructure projects could be completed on time, which directly benefited the farmers and the rural community.
The Chief Secretary said that the State Government is committed to ensure digitization of all Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) with necessary technical support, so that they can be made more efficient, transparent and accessible. He said that the Government is working towards making each PACS economically viable and profitable, so that these institutions can become a strong cornerstone of the rural cooperative system. He said that a strong foundation of 'Developed India-2047' can be laid only with collective efforts, effective implementation and a long-term vision. He appealed to the bankers and government officials to go beyond their regular administrative responsibilities and personally guide and support the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), schools, colleges and health institutions in rural areas. He said that such continuous cooperation will strengthen local institutions, help in solving grassroots problems and give impetus to inclusive rural development in the state.
On this occasion, the Chief Secretary unveiled a coffee table book showing the impact of NABARD's developmental initiatives in Haryana and a unit cost book prepared for use by banks for agricultural credit, project appraisal and financing of agriculture and allied activities.
At the function, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), artisans and women entrepreneurs who have done excellent work were felicitated for their contribution to rural development. Also, an exhibition organized by FPOs, OFPOs and artisans showcased value-added agricultural products, food items and handicrafts, which highlighted the growing potential of rural producer groups in Haryana.
Giving information about the achievements of NABARD, Chief Managing Director Sushri Nivedita Tiwari said that the organization has strengthened farmer-owned institutions by computerizing and digitizing 710 Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) in Haryana and promoting 131 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
She said that through these FPOs, 63,369 farmers, including 14,017 women, have been brought on one platform. This has benefited the farmers in terms of collective marketing, better price realization, adoption of modern technologies and better connectivity with the agricultural value chain.
To strengthen institutional financial access, NABARD has provided credit assistance of Rs. 11.12 crore to 28 FPOs and Rs. 11.12 crore to 9 FPOs. has provided equity grant assistance of Rs. 60.38 lakh, which has strengthened their financial stability and business activities.
NABARD has also given special priority to climate-resilient agriculture. Under this, watershed development, groundwater management, micro-irrigation, Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), vegetable clusters and other sustainable agriculture initiatives have been promoted, which aim to reduce the cost of farming and increase the income of farmers.
NABARD's livelihood enhancement schemes have also made a significant contribution towards the economic empowerment of women. Since the year 2022-23, more than 5,010 rural women have been provided skill training in dairy, fish production, food processing, tailoring, handicrafts and other self-employment activities, which has created sustainable livelihood opportunities for them.
On this occasion, Commissioner and Secretary of the Finance Department Mr. C. G. Rajni Kanthan, Chairman of Harco Bank Mr. Bharat Bhushan Juyal and other senior officials were also present.