The NABARD has made consistent endeavours, initiatives and contributions to rural development and provided constant support and in the development of rural sectors in Odisha, said chief guest Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal at the 40th foundation day function of the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Regional Office here on Tuesday

Lal said the NABARD through its initiatives like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Long term irrigation Fund (LTIF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF), Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) and others is complimenting the developmental initiatives of Central and State Government. He congratulated the NABARD for making efforts towards providing funds to those who have not been funded.

He also appreciated the NABARD’s role in providing employment to women through formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs). He pointed out that sincere, and untiring efforts are needed for the growth of animal husbandry, fishery, horticulture and sunrise industries.

He raised concerns over the increasing pollution levels and the abuse of natural resources which are vital for life and living. “Contamination of our farmland by massive usage of chemical fertilisers and pesticides need to be reduced and eco-friendly farming to be promoted,” the Governor said.The Governor highlighted that in the coming years; NABARD has to increase its efforts, especially towards new age skill development initiatives providing employment to the rural youths. NABARD Chief General Manager C Udayabhaskar thanked the stakeholders for the excellent cooperation and support which has resulted in fabulous performance of NABARD in the State.  NABARD has been a major partner of the Government of Odisha in its developmental endeavors such as farmers welfare, women empowerment, building rural infrastructure, tribal development, watershed development and FPOs.

The NABARD’s financial support to the State Government, banks and corporations in Odisha has touched Rs. 22,709 crore in 20-21.  He indicated that the thrust areas for 21-22 are taking up projects on remunerative activities beyond paddy cultivation, FPOs, developing micro entrepreneurs of successful SHG women, doubling of bank credit to the SHGs, new FPOs on activities such as Goatery, fishery, apiary and bamboo based livelihood, Bhaskar said.

Massive bamboo projects across Odisha are being proposed to provide livelihoods to the poor and for tackling climate change. About 3,000 SHG women would be trained to set-up Grameendukhan for marketing facilities.  Focus will also be on setting up Off farm Producers Organisations (OFPOs) in the areas of handlooms and handicrafts apart from training rural youth on skill development for getting them properly employed, the CGM said. Development Commissioner PK Jena appreciated the efforts of the NABARD for the record sanction for infrastructure projects under RIDF in Odisha.

He highlighted the NABARD’s contribution towards credit and technical support leading to systematic fiscal consolidation and increased capital outlay. He highlighted that rural connectivity has been promoted through construction of bridges and roads under RIDF.

Further, additional support to irrigation, WADI, watershed development, credit support to MSME sector, SHG women, capital subsidies, support to agri-entrepreneurs and marketing have boosted the economic growth of the state.He also elaborated on the active role of NABARD in the, promotion of Farmer Producers’ Organizations.

Finance Secretary AKK Meena appreciated the efforts of the NABARD in providing handholding support to banks for increasing the ground-level credit flow in the State. He urged all stakeholders to double their efforts and work together to achieve the priority sector credit disbursement target ofRs 1.10 lakh crore in the current financial year.

Among others, Mission Shakti Commissioner and Secretary Sujatha Kartikeyan, RBI Regional Director HN Panda, SLBC convenor A Jena, senior bank officials, district Collectors, lead District Managers, NABARD District Development Managers, bankers and progressive farmers were present.