DFS Secretary Reviewed Functioning of NABARD, Read Meeting Highlights

Mumbai, May 5 – The Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Shri M. Nagaraju, visited the Head Office of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) in Mumbai today to review its functioning and future plans. He held detailed discussions with senior officials, including the Chairman of NABARD, regarding the institution’s contribution to rural development.

Welcoming the Secretary, the NABARD Chairman highlighted the organization’s significant role in supporting the agriculture and rural sector. He explained how NABARD has been financing rural infrastructure projects, strengthening rural financial institutions, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to empower farmers and boost the rural economy.

During the review, the Secretary of DFS encouraged NABARD to design and implement successful pilot projects in rural development that can be scaled up across the country. He stressed that such model initiatives should focus on solving key rural challenges and be practical for replication in various regions.

A major focus of the discussion was on Food Processing Organizations. The Secretary advised NABARD to give special attention to this area by handholding farmers and rural women entrepreneurs, helping them add value to their produce and improve their income levels. Also Read: DFS Secretary Reviewed Performance of Regional Rural Banks.

In addition, the Secretary suggested that NABARD should consider involving third-party agencies to carry out impact assessments of completed or ongoing projects. This, he said, would help measure the real outcomes on the ground and improve the effectiveness of future initiatives.

The meeting underlined the central role of NABARD in transforming India’s rural landscape and the need for innovation, collaboration, and accountability in achieving long-term development goals. Also Read: DFS Secretary Reviewed Performance of Regional Rural Banks.