The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 20, 2021
Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal on Tuesday urged the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to increase its efforts, especially towards new age skill development initiatives providing employment to the rural youth.
The Governor, who graced the 40th Foundation Day celebration function of NABARD as chief guest, appreciated NABARD for its consistent endeavors, initiatives and contributions to rural development and constant support and active involvement in the development of rural sectors in Odisha. He said that 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), etc. is complimenting the developmental initiatives of Central and State Government.
He also lauded NABARD’s role in proving 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. Raising concerns over the increasing pollution levels and the abuse of natural resources which are vital for life and living, Prof. Lal urged to minimize the use of pesticides and to promote eco-friendly farming.
Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner PK Jena appreciated the efforts of NABARD for the record sanction for infrastructure projects under RIDF in Odisha. He highlighted NABARD’s contribution towards credit and technical support leading to systematic fiscal consolidation and increased capital outlay. He highlighted that the 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.
Principal Secretary, Finance AKK Meena appreciated the efforts of 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 of Rs 1.10 lakh crore in the current financial year. He stated that in order to achieve the prescribed 60% CD Ratio at the State and district levels, credit flow to priority sectors should be around Rs.1.36 lakh crore in FY2022-23.
In his welcome address, NABARD Chief General Manager C Udayabhaskar highlighted the major achievements of NABARD in the recent years. He informed that NABARD’s financial support to the State Government, Banks and Corporations in Odisha has touched Rs. 22,709 crore in FY2020-21. He indicated that the thrust areas for FY2021-22 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 livelihoods etc. About 3000 SHG women will be trained to set-up Grameendukhan for marketing facilities, and focus will also be on training rural youth on skill development for getting them properly employed, he added.
On this occasion, awards were given to 30 progressive farmers/SHG micro entrepreneurs/FPO members, one each from 30 districts, recognizing their efforts put in the various developmental initiatives of NABARD. The awards were presented by the District Collectors.
Two publications of NABARD “Reflections 2020-21”, on major achievements of NABARD and the “Unit Cost Book 2021-22”, a guide to banks for financing agricultural term loans were unveiled on the occasion by the Odisha Governor.
A song on Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) was also released by the Governor on the occasion. The saga of development through participative farmers’ enterprise through FPOs in the song will be motivating the farmers and promoting financial inclusion in a big way.
