Bhubaneswar: Nabard reiterated its commitment to rural prosperity of the nation and to the State of Odisha on the occasion of its 41st Foundation Day, celebrated here on Tuesday.
Odisha finance minister, Niranjan Pujari was the chief guest on the occasion. Agriculture minister Ranendra Pratap Swain; development commissioner P. K. Jena, agriculture production commissioner Sanjeev Chopra, panchayati raj principal secretary A K K Meena, RBI regional director H N Panda, Nabard CGM C Udayabhaskar, SLBC covenor Goutam Parta; and SBI CGM Chander Shekhar Sharma participated in the programme.
In his welcome address, Nabard CGM C. Udayabhaskar, highlighted the major achievements of Nabard in recent years. He thanked the stakeholders for the excellent cooperation and support which has resulted in fabulous performance of Nabard in the State. Nabard has been a major partner of government of Odisha in its developmental endeavors. Nabard’s financial support to the State government, banks and corporations in Odisha has touched Rs.31,786 crore in 2021-22. He indicated that the thrust areas for 22-23 are remunerative activities beyond paddy cultivation, FPOs, developing micro entrepreneurs of successful SHG women, doubling of bank credit to the SHGs, doubling of farmer’s income, climate change and promotion of handloom and handicraft OFPOs.

On this occasion, awards were given to individuals and institutions in various categories such as best performing tribal farmer, SHG, FPO, Watershed Management Committee, farmer under “Beyond Paddy”, weaver, craftsman, Swachh Abhiyan Initiative, and BALARAM Yojana, recognizing their efforts in the various developmental initiatives of Nabard.
A coffee table book “Reflections 2021-22”, highlighting major achievements of Nabard in Odisha during 2021-22 and a video showcasing “4o years of Nabard in Odisha” were released on the occasion .