The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned nearly ₹15,056 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 6,175 projects in Haryana to strengthen rural infrastructure, including irrigation, roads, drinking water supply and other development initiatives, according to PTI

The announcement was made during NABARD’s 45th Foundation Day celebrations in Chandigarh, attended by Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi as the chief guest.

Addressing the event, Rastogi said NABARD has emerged as a key partner in promoting rural development and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy. He emphasised that robust rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion and strong community institutions will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Recalling his tenure as Haryana’s Finance Secretary, Rastogi said NABARD’s concessional financial assistance had helped accelerate the implementation of several rural infrastructure projects, benefiting farmers and rural communities across the state.

He added that the Haryana government is working towards digitising all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and improving their financial sustainability to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem. He also urged bankers and government officials to support Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and other rural institutions to promote inclusive growth.

During the event, Rastogi released a coffee table book showcasing NABARD’s development initiatives in Haryana, along with a Unit Cost Book for agricultural lending and project appraisal.

NABARD Chief General Manager Nivedita Tiwary said the institution has computerised and digitised 710 PACS and promoted 131 FPOs across Haryana. These FPOs have brought together 63,369 farmers, including 14,017 women, helping improve collective marketing, price realisation and integration with agricultural value chains.

NABARD said it has extended ₹11.12 crore in credit support to 28 FPOs and provided ₹60.38 lakh in equity grant assistance to nine FPOs.

The development finance institution has also supported climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, including watershed development, groundwater management, micro-irrigation, Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and vegetable clusters.

Since 2022-23, more than 5,010 rural women have received training in activities such as dairy farming, mushroom cultivation, food processing, tailoring and handicrafts to enhance livelihood opportunities.