Summit Report, Gangtok 25 Feb:
General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development [NABARD], Sikkim Regional Office, Ajay Kumar Sinha, called on Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhavan today accompanied by Deputy General Manager Anil Kumar Yadav and other senior officials, a press release informs.
Mr Sinha apprised the Governor about NABARD’s ongoing initiatives, including support for the Kisan Credit Card, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Self-Help Groups, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
The Governor acknowledged NABARD’s role in delivering rural development and urged the institution to further strengthen its efforts, the release states. He emphasized the importance of organic product marketing to ensure fair value for farmers’ produce and inquired about NABARD’s presence in Sikkim’s rural areas.
He also highlighted the need to expand support for self-help groups, particularly in empowering women.
Addressing the impact of the 2023 floods in Sikkim, the Governor underscored the importance of restoring Angora rabbit farms that were severely affected in Mangan district. He stressed that reviving these farms could provide a sustainable income source for local farmers while also boosting the regional handicraft industry, the release adds.
He further urged NABARD to take proactive steps in this regard and remain committed to the holistic development of rural areas in the state.
