The West Bengal Regional Office of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) today celebrated its 45th Foundation Day, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, sustainable and technology-driven rural development. The programme brought together senior officials from the Reserve Bank of India, State Government, banks, cooperative institutions and development partners to deliberate on strengthening the rural economy and accelerating agricultural transformation.
The programme was graced by Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Sudhanshu Prasad as the Chief Guest and Convener, State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), West Bengal, Shri Balbir Singh as the Guest of Honour. The Chief General Manager, NABARD, West Bengal Regional Office, Shri P.K. Bhardwaj delivered the welcome address.
Addressing the gathering Shri Bhardwaj highlighted NABARD’s four-and-a-half decades of contribution towards agriculture and rural development through refinance support, rural infrastructure financing, institutional strengthening and various credit-plus initiatives. Marking the International Year of Women Farmers 2026, he underlined the transformative role of women-led Self Help Groups in rural development and highlighted NABARD’s continued support through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), computerisation of 4,600 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), strengthening of cooperative institutions and Regional Rural Banks.
He informed that the Ground Level Credit (GLC) achievement in agriculture stood at ₹1.17 lakh crore, while the Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP) 2026–27 has assessed West Bengal’s priority sector credit potential at ₹3.99 lakh crore, including ₹1.37 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors.
Shri Singh emphasised the resilience of Indian agriculture and underscored the need to promote allied agricultural activities, value addition and export opportunities. He appreciated NABARD’s sustained efforts in strengthening cooperative institutions, Regional Rural Banks, microfinance initiatives and rural livelihood programmes.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Prasad, congratulated NABARD on completing 45 years of dedicated service and described it as one of India’s premier development finance institutions. Referring to flagship initiatives such as the Self Help Group–Bank Linkage Programme, Kisan Credit Card, Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), he called for greater adoption of digital technologies, climate-resilient agricultural practices and value addition to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
On the occasion, NABARD released its Annual Performance Highlights 2025–26 and Success Stories Compendium. Documentary films showcasing successful initiatives under Watershed Development, RIDF and Farmer Producer Organisations were also screened.
As part of the celebrations, women farmers associated with TRIBES, Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LREDP), Farmer Producer Organisations and Off-Farm Development initiatives were felicitated for their contributions to rural development. Development Managers from Paschim Medinipur, Malda and Nadia also presented innovative district-level initiatives undertaken by NABARD.
Six exhibition stalls displaying products created by women artisans and Self-Help Groups were set up at the venue, showcasing NABARD’s continued efforts to promote women-led entrepreneurship and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming NABARD’s commitment to working in close partnership with the Government, financial institutions and rural communities to promote inclusive, sustainable and resilient rural development across West Bengal.
