NABARD Jharkhand Achieves Record ₹5,703 Crore Investment in Rural Development
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Jharkhand, has announced a landmark performance for the financial year 2025-26, with a total investment of ₹5,703.74 crore aimed at transforming rural economies. This unprecedented funding is dedicated to enhancing farmers' access to credit, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and accelerating digital initiatives across the state's rural landscape.
Expanding Credit Access and Infrastructure Development
NABARD significantly boosted credit flow to rural areas, providing total support of ₹3,316 crore. This infusion enabled banks to offer timely and affordable loans to farmers, self-help groups, and rural entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the bank extended loans worth ₹2,400 crore to the Jharkhand government under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). These funds are allocated to strengthen critical infrastructure, including irrigation systems, connectivity projects, and community assets. A notable component of this is the ₹381 crore sanctioned under the Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF), aimed at improving water management for agriculture.
Digital Transformation and Community Initiatives
A key highlight of the year was the rapid push towards digitalization. Over 1,500 primary agriculture credit societies (PACS) have been computerized, with many now functioning as digital e-PACS. This shift is part of a broader effort to modernize rural finance and improve efficiency.
Other significant activities included:
- Support for tribal communities through targeted programs.
- Watershed projects to enhance livelihoods in vulnerable regions.
- Promotion of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to strengthen collective marketing and income opportunities.
- Encouragement of natural farming practices to promote sustainability.
- Introduction of paperless credit systems like e-KCC, making crop loans faster, simpler, and more accessible.
Leadership Perspective on Inclusive Growth
Deepmala Ghosh, Chief General Manager of NABARD, emphasized the bank's commitment to rural development. "Our performance reflects the strong dedication to strengthening rural livelihoods and driving inclusive growth," she stated. "The focus on expanding credit, promoting farmer-producer organizations, encouraging natural farming, and accelerating digital initiatives is making rural finance more accessible, efficient, and transparent."
This record investment underscores NABARD's pivotal role in bridging the urban-rural divide and fostering sustainable economic progress in Jharkhand.
