Chandigarh: NABARD Haryana Regional Office celebrated the 45th Foundation Day of NABARD on 21 July 2026 with the participation of senior officials from the Government of Haryana, Reserve Bank of India, banks, cooperative institutions, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and development partner organizations.
The programme was graced by the Shri Anurag Rastogi, Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, who congratulated NABARD on completing 44 years of dedicated service to the nation and lauded its pivotal role in transforming rural India through agricultural development, financial inclusion, institution building and sustainable livelihood promotion. He acknowledged NABARD as a trusted development partner of Haryana and appreciated its continued support towards strengthening rural infrastructure, farmer institutions, cooperatives and community-based development initiatives.
The Chief Secretary emphasized that the transformation of rural Haryana requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, financial institutions and grassroots organizations. He highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing livelihood opportunities, empowering rural youth and women, and building resilient rural communities in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Referring to the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, he stressed the need to recognize and strengthen the contribution of women in agriculture by facilitating greater access to institutional finance, technology, skill development, markets and leadership opportunities. He expressed confidence that NABARD would continue to play a key role in advancing women-led development and fostering inclusive and sustainable rural growth across the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Nivedita Tiwary, Chief General Manager, NABARD Haryana Regional Office, highlighted NABARD’s deep engagement with the rural development sector in Haryana. She informed that under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), NABARD has sanctioned nearly ₹15,056 crore for Haryana and supported 6,175 infrastructure projects, contributing significantly to rural connectivity, irrigation, drinking water facilities and overall economic development.
She further stated that NABARD has played a key role in strengthening rural institutions through the computerization and digitization of 710 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the promotion of 131 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across the State. The FPOs have mobilized more than 63,369 farmers, including 14,017 women members, helping farmers improve access to markets, technology and value chains.
The CGM highlighted NABARD’s efforts in skill training programmes, which have benefited more than 5,010 women since 2022-23. She noted that these programmes have created sustainable livelihood opportunities in dairy farming, food processing, mushroom cultivation, handicrafts, tailoring and other rural enterprises.
She also informed that 28 FPOs have been credit-linked with aggregate credit support of ₹11.12 crore, while Equity Grant Assistance of ₹60.38 lakh has been extended to nine FPOs. NABARD has additionally supported climate-resilient agriculture through watershed development, groundwater management, micro-irrigation, Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR), vegetable cluster promotion and other innovative interventions aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes and sustainability.
The CGM reiterated NABARD's commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening rural institutions, promoting women-led development and supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in Haryana.
During the celebration, a Coffee Table Book showcasing key developmental initiatives, achievements and impact of various NABARD-supported interventions in the State was unveiled. A Unit Cost Book was also released to serve as a reference for banks and other stakeholders in credit planning, project appraisal and financing of agriculture and allied activities.
In recognition of their outstanding contribution to rural development and institution building, selected Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Artisans and women entrepreneurs were felicitated during the programme.
The event also featured an exhibition by Artisans, FPOs and OFPOs, showcasing farm produce, processed food products, handicrafts and other value-added products, reflecting the growing entrepreneurial capabilities of rural producer collectives. The programme further highlighted the significance of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026, with a special focus on promoting women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and participation in agriculture and allied sectors.