Celebrating four decades of rural progress
NABARD’s 44th Year Marks a New Phase in Rural Finance: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) commemorated its 44th Foundation Day on 12 July 2025, showcasing its unwavering mission to uplift rural India through innovative finance and institutional support. Since it began its journey in 1982, NABARD has played a transformative role in reshaping the credit landscape in agriculture and rural infrastructure.
The occasion was marked by commemorative events highlighting the bank’s deepening impact, particularly in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, where recent interventions have yielded significant results.
Institutional origin and mandate
NABARD came into existence under a special Parliamentary Act following recommendations from the B. Sivaraman Committee.
Static GK fact: The bank was carved out of the RBI’s Agricultural Credit Department and took over from the Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC) to become India’s apex rural development finance body.
Its core functions include refinancing rural lending institutions, facilitating infrastructure development, and channeling funds into cooperative sectors and self-help ecosystems.
Celebratory initiatives and recognitions
To mark the 44th year, NABARD introduced a short film titled “Roots of Change”, along with new publications such as “NIDHI”, and hosted exhibitions by farmer groups and local artisans.
Recognition was also extended to primary agriculture credit societies (PACS) and district central cooperative banks (DCCBs) for exceptional service. These efforts emphasized NABARD’s focus on grassroots financial strengthening and digital transformation in rural credit delivery.
Major financial activity in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, NABARD allocated ₹42,842 crore in credit and provided ₹31.83 crore in developmental grants for the year 2024–25.
Static GK Tip: Andhra Pradesh has remained a leader in NABARD funding utilization, particularly in irrigation, warehousing, and rural connectivity initiatives.
Furthering its ground-level presence, new District Development Manager (DDM) offices were launched in East Godavari, West Godavari, and Nandyal, indicating a push for localized engagement with rural stakeholders.
Transformative efforts in Arunachal Pradesh
NABARD’s interventions in Arunachal Pradesh included funding of ₹4,613 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), enabling the execution of 485 critical infrastructure projects. These projects are improving access to markets, water resources, and transport facilities in rural belts.
A thematic session titled “Cooperatives Build a Better World” was also held, drawing participation from key financial players including RBI, SIDBI, NCDC, and regional cooperative leaders.
Future path focused on resilience and inclusion
NABARD’s strategic roadmap now aims to boost climate-smart agriculture, increase digital penetration in rural banking, and enhance institutional capacity in lagging states.
By aligning with central government schemes and promoting synergy among rural bodies, NABARD envisions a future of resilient rural economies, especially across the Eastern and North-Eastern states.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NABARD’s 44th Year Marks a New Phase in Rural Finance:
| Topic | Detail |
| NABARD Formation | 12 July 1982 under an Act of Parliament |
| Founding Committee | B. Sivaraman Committee |
| Andhra Pradesh Loan Disbursal FY25 | ₹42,842 crore |
| Andhra Pradesh Grant Support FY25 | ₹31.83 crore |
| New DDM Offices | East Godavari, West Godavari, Nandyal |
| Arunachal Pradesh RIDF Projects | 485 projects worth ₹4,613 crore |
| Key Document Released | “Roots of Change” Documentary |
| Theme of Sensitization Program | Cooperatives Build a Better World |
| NABARD’s Primary Goal | Inclusive rural and agricultural development |
| Key Focus Areas | Financial inclusion, infrastructure, cooperatives, digital rural credit |
