Vijayawada: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) marked a momentous occasion today with the inauguration of its new Andhra Pradesh Regional Office in Vijayawada, reflecting its commitment to accelerating rural prosperity and agricultural development in the state.
The event was graced by the presence of Shri Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Cooperation, Shri Payyavula Keshav, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Shri Shaji KV, Chairman of NABARD, Shri Budithi Rajsekhar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture), Shri Babu A, IAS, Secretary (Marketing & Cooperation) & Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Shri Ronald Rose, IAS, Secretary, Finance Department, Shri MR Gopal, CGM, NABARD Andhra Pradesh RO, other key dignitaries from the government, banking fraternity, and NABARD officers.
Shri M R Gopal, CGM in his welcome address emphasized the importance of this milestone in bringing NABARD closer to rural communities in Andhra Pradesh. He expressed gratitude to NABARD’s Hon’ble Chairman for his visionary leadership and acknowledged the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s partnership in driving sustainable rural development. Highlighting NABARD’s contributions, including infrastructure support under RIDF, support for FPOs, and promotion of climate-resilient agriculture, the CGM reiterated NABARD’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and leveraging the new office as a hub of innovation and collaboration to better serve the state’s developmental needs.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kinjarapu Atchannaidu underscored the pivotal role of agriculture and fisheries in Andhra Pradesh’s economy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Andhra Pradesh as the frontrunner in the nation’s growth journey. He said that agriculture remains predominant in Andhra Pradesh, and fisheries are equally critical for the state’s growth. NABARD’s relocation to Vijayawada aligns perfectly with Vision 2047, where agriculture and allied sectors will drive economic transformation,” he said. He lauded NABARD’s role in rural infrastructure development. Shri Atchannaidu assured that the government will extend all possible assistance to NABARD for constructing its own iconic building in Amaravati.
Shri Payyavula Keshav, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, expressed immense happiness over the relocation of NABARD’s Andhra Pradesh Regional Office to Vijayawada, calling it a timely and strategic decision. He extended his heartfelt best wishes for the new office, emphasizing that the move symbolizes a deeper commitment to the state’s development aspirations. He highlighted the critical role of credit flow in stimulating rural growth. “The more you lend, the more transformative the impact on rural communities. This relocation signifies NABARD’s readiness to meet the state’s aspirations for inclusive development,” he remarked.
Shri Shaji KV, Chairman of NABARD, highlighted key initiatives such as tenant farmer financing and the Agristack program. “NABARD is enhancing credit flow to tenant farmers and marginalized communities through innovative measures like the Programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (PCBDC) pilot. By strengthening field-level interventions and leveraging Agristack, we aim to drive sustainable agricultural productivity and financial inclusion,” he stated. He expressed the organization’s readiness and enthusiasm for subsequent relocation to own premises in Amaravati at the earliest. He also highlighted the importance of PACS computerization and fostering greater cooperation among cooperatives to enhance their operational efficiency and service delivery, further strengthening the cooperative sector’s role in rural development. Further, he dwelt upon the formation of MPACS in the state
Shri Budithi Rajsekhar, IAS, emphasized the importance of tenant farmers in the state’s agricultural landscape.
“Tenant farmers form a significant portion of Andhra Pradesh’s rural economy. NABARD’s focus on enhancing credit access and capacity building for these farmers will be a game changer,” he said.
Shri Babu A, IAS, lauded NABARD’s efforts to diversify its activities, ensuring a wider rural impact. Highlighting the relationship between a work environment and efficiency, he remarked that the move to Vijayawada, the heart of Andhra Pradesh, ensures better access to the rural population. “This relocation positions NABARD closer to the people, enabling faster responses and greater impact on the ground,” he said. Shri Babu A extended his best wishes to NABARD, acknowledging its vital role in transforming the rural economy and achieving ambitious development targets. His remarks underscored the importance of organizational infrastructure in driving productivity and aligning institutional efforts with the needs of the people.
As part of the momentous occasion, NABARD also unveiled its latest publication, “Rural Radiance: Empowering Lives through Tribal and Watershed Development.” This booklet highlights the transformative impact of NABARD’s initiatives in tribal development and watershed management across Andhra Pradesh.
On this special occasion, NABARD issued significant sanction letters to promote diverse sectors and empower rural communities across Andhra Pradesh. In collaboration with the Handloom and Textiles Department, support was extended for the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of traditional handloom products such as Dupion Silk, Manorama Bedsheets, Chirala Kuppadam Sarees, Madhavaram Cotton Sarees, and Yemmiganur Towels and Bedsheets, preserving heritage and opening global market opportunities. Sanctions were also granted for organizing a DWCRA exhibition in Kakinada and setting up a stall in a prominent mall in Vijayawada to boost the visibility and market access of self-help groups.
Key projects under the Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) were also sanctioned, including initiatives to enhance the livelihoods of fisherwomen in Katrenikona Mandal, Konaseema District, led by Swarajya Abhyudhaya Seva Samithi (SASS); a chilli production and market linkage project in Western Prakasam District by IFFCO Kisan; and a “Millet Revolution” project in Alluri Sitaramaraju District spearheaded by Sarada Valley Development Samithi (SVDS). Furthermore, NABKISAN extended support to Aqua Exchange Agritech Pvt. Ltd., an AgriTech startup focused on innovation in aquaculture. These initiatives underscore NABARD’s dedication to fostering sustainable livelihoods and driving rural development across the state.
