NABARD foundation day in Patna office.
By A Correspondent
Patna: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 45th Foundation Day on July 12 with a function at its Bihar Regional Office located at Maurya Lok Complex. Chairpersons of the Bihar State Cooperative Bank, Nalanda District Cooperative Bank, Siwan District Cooperative Bank, Gopalganj District Cooperative Bank, Pataliputra District Cooperative Bank and Vaishali District Cooperative Bank attended the event.
Delivering the inaugural address, NABARD Chief General Manager Gautam Kumar Singh reflected on the institution’s journey since its establishment in 1982 and outlined its contribution to agriculture and rural development across the country.
He highlighted several landmark initiatives undertaken by NABARD, including the conceptualisation of credit delivery through the Kisan Credit Card and Self-Help Group programmes, watershed development projects for soil and water conservation, assistance in securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for local products, and the creation of rural infrastructure through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Singh also said the Government of India’s Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) computerisation scheme, which is being implemented by NABARD, has the potential to bring about a transformative change in the agriculture and rural sectors in the coming years.
Referring to the growing challenges posed by climate change and widening income disparities, he urged NABARD officials to prepare themselves for an expanded role in promoting sustainable and inclusive rural development.
Addressing the gathering, the invited guests congratulated NABARD on its Foundation Day and acknowledged its significant contribution to strengthening agriculture and rural development. They observed that India has emerged as a leading producer of foodgrains, vegetables and fruits through the combined efforts of policymakers, farmers, implementing agencies and cooperative institutions, with NABARD playing a vital supporting role.
The speakers stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation between NABARD and cooperative institutions to accelerate agricultural growth and rural development.
An exhibition showcasing products that recently received Geographical Indication (GI) tags with NABARD’s support was also organised during the programme. The display featured Patharkatti stone craft from Gaya, Bawan Buti handloom from Nalanda and Pidhiya Painting from Bhojpur.
NABARD General Manager Anamika, the Managing Director of Bihar State Cooperative Bank and the General Manager of Bihar Gramin Bank were also present at the event.
–PIB
About the Author
