Haryana has experienced significant growth in rural infrastructure as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) approved Rs 15,056 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). This funding supports 6,175 projects focusing on irrigation, rural roads, drinking water facilities, and other crucial assets. The achievements were highlighted at NABARD’s 45th foundation day celebrations, with Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi attending as the chief guest.
Rastogi praised NABARD for playing a vital role in accelerating rural transformation and enhancing the state’s agricultural economy. He emphasized the importance of robust rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and empowered community institutions for the state’s future growth. Rastogi called for collaborative efforts among government departments, financial institutions, and grassroots organizations to develop resilient villages in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Highlighting NABARD’s support during his tenure as Finance Secretary, Rastogi commended the institution for its role in facilitating critical rural infrastructure projects through financial assistance at concessional interest rates. This support has significantly benefited farmers and rural communities in Haryana. The government’s commitment to digitizing all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) was also emphasized by the Chief Secretary, aiming to enhance their efficiency, transparency, and accessibility with technical support.
NABARD’s initiatives have also focused on empowering women, with over 5,010 rural women receiving skill training in various income-generating activities since 2022-23. These programs, including dairy farming, mushroom cultivation, food processing, tailoring, and handicrafts, aim to create sustainable self-employment opportunities across the state.
