Chandigarh: Haryana has witnessed one of its biggest rural infrastructure expansions with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) sanctioning nearly ₹15,056 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), supporting 6,175 infrastructure projects across the state that have strengthened irrigation, rural roads, drinking water facilities and other critical assets.
The achievements were highlighted during NABARD’s 45th Foundation Day celebrations, where Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi was invited as the Chief Guest. Rastogi said the institution has emerged as a key partner in accelerating rural transformation and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.
Describing NABARD as a catalyst for inclusive rural development, Rastogi said the state’s future growth depends on stronger rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion and empowered community institutions. He stressed that government departments, financial institutions and grassroots organisations must work together to build resilient villages in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Recalling his earlier tenure as Finance Secretary, Rastogi said he had the opportunity to work closely with NABARD and witnessed first-hand the institution’s constructive role in supporting the state’s development. He said NABARD’s financial assistance at concessional interest rates has enabled the timely execution of several critical rural infrastructure projects, significantly benefiting Haryana’s farmers and rural communities.
The Chief Secretary said the state government is committed to digitising all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with the necessary technical support to make them more efficient, transparent and accessible. He added that the government is also working to ensure that every PACS becomes financially viable and profitable so that these institutions can function as strong pillars of the rural cooperative ecosystem.
He said the foundation of Viksit Bharat @2047 has to be laid today through collective effort, effective implementation and a long-term vision. Calling upon bankers and government officials to go beyond their routine responsibilities, he urged them to personally mentor and support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), schools, colleges and healthcare institutions in rural areas. Such sustained handholding, he said, would strengthen local institutions, help resolve grassroots challenges more effectively and accelerate inclusive rural development across the state.
During the function, the Chief Secretary also released a Coffee Table Book documenting the impact of NABARD’s development interventions in Haryana and a Unit Cost Book to serve as a practical guide for banks in agricultural lending, project appraisal and financing of farm and allied activities.
Outstanding Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), artisans and women entrepreneurs were honoured for their contribution to rural development, while an exhibition by FPOs, OFPOs and artisans showcased value-added agricultural products, processed foods and handicrafts, highlighting the growing strength of Haryana’s rural producer collectives.
Presenting NABARD’s performance, Chief General Manager Nivedita Tiwary said the institution has significantly strengthened farmer-owned institutions in Haryana by computerising and digitising 710 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and promoting 131 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across the state.
She said these producer organisations have brought together 63,369 farmers, including 14,017 women, enabling collective marketing, better price realisation, improved technology adoption and stronger integration with agricultural value chains.
To improve institutional access to finance, NABARD has provided ₹11.12 crore in credit support to 28 FPOs, besides extending ₹60.38 lakh as Equity Grant Assistance to nine FPOs, strengthening their financial sustainability and business operations.
The institution has also focused on climate-smart agriculture by supporting watershed development, groundwater management, micro-irrigation, Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), vegetable clusters and other sustainable farming initiatives aimed at reducing input costs and improving farm incomes.
NABARD’s livelihood promotion programmes have equally focused on women. Since 2022-23, more than 5,010 rural women have received skill training in dairy farming, mushroom cultivation, food processing, tailoring, handicrafts and other income-generating activities, creating sustainable self-employment opportunities across the state.
Commissioner & Secretary, Finance, CG Rajini Kaanthan, HARCO Bank Chairman Bharat Bhushan Juyal, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
