The 44th Foundation Day of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Manipur Regional Office, was celebrated today at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal. The event was marked by the presence of eminent dignitaries and highlighted NABARD’s contributions to rural development in the state.

Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Other key attendees included Thaithuilung Pamei, Commissioner of the Department of Horticulture, Government of Manipur; Abhay Kumar, Chairman of Manipur Rural Bank; W. Ibohal Singh, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of Manipur; and Partha Mandal, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of NABARD Manipur Regional Office.

In his keynote address, Dr. Mishra congratulated NABARD on its 44th anniversary and lauded its vital role in transforming India’s rural landscape. He commended the institution’s multi-faceted contributions encompassing financial services, rural infrastructure development, cooperative strengthening, and support for grassroots organizations. He specifically acknowledged NABARD’s impact in Manipur and the North Eastern region through initiatives in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, support for artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and rural connectivity.

Dr. Mishra highlighted key programmes like “Sahakar se Samriddhi,” focusing on digitization and strengthening of Primary Agriculture Co-Operative Societies (PACS), and efforts toward the GI registration of local products such as Kouna Craft and Senga. He also noted the growing collaboration between NABARD and Central Agricultural University, particularly in youth training, rural entrepreneurship, and technological solutions like solar spice units and biomass dryers. He expressed pride in the employment of CAU graduates by NABARD and called for continued collaboration to build a prosperous rural India and realize the vision of a developed nation by 2047.

Delivering the welcome address, GM/OIC Partha Mandal outlined NABARD’s pivotal role in supporting agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods in Manipur. He emphasized the organization’s mission to promote sustainable development, financial inclusion, and self-reliance among rural communities.

He further detailed NABARD’s flagship programmes being implemented in the state, including the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development, WADI Projects, Tribal Development Fund (TDF), Climate Resilient Agriculture, Off-Farm Sector support, skill development initiatives, and capacity-building programmes.

As part of the celebration, a brochure highlighting NABARD’s initiatives was released, and Best Performing PACS/M-PACS were felicitated. A presentation by Ms. Lily Rose Jajo, Director of UDCRMS, Ukhrul, showcasing the achievements of NABARD-supported projects, was another key highlight of the event.