National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), India’s apex development financial institution, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development across the country. Over the past four decades, NABARD has played a pivotal role in transforming rural India through infrastructure financing, banking technology, microfinance, and entrepreneurship promotion.

The year 2025 has been designated as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), recognizing the vital role cooperatives play in fostering inclusive and sustainable development. Cooperatives, guided by principles of democratic governance, member participation, and community concern, are instrumental in empowering rural populations. NABARD has been actively supporting the cooperative movement through infrastructure development, capacity building, and digital transformation, including the computerization of PACS and ARDBs in Tripura.

The 44th Foundation Day of NABARD was celebrated by its Tripura Regional Office at a hotel in Agartala on Saturday. The event was graced by Sukla Charan Noatia, Minister of Cooperation, as the Chief Guest and attended by Surendra Nidar, GM/OIC, RBI; Dr. Akinchan Sarkar, Addl. Secretary (Finance) and Smt Rakhi Biswas, Addl. Secretary (Institutional Finance).

Anil S Kotmire, GM/OIC, NABARD highlighted the projects undertaken by NABARD in Tripura and thanked all stakeholders for their endeavour. He urged PACS/LAMPS to be at Par with States like Maharashtra/Gujarat.

Further Diganta Kumar Das, DGM, NABARD presented the various initiatives started by NABARD over the years and the role of State Government, Banks, NGOs/FPOs in the economic progress of the country.

Cooperation Minister  Sukla Charan Noatia emphasized the importance of collective dedication to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He highlighted the guiding principle of "Sahakar se Samriddhi" as a pathway to prosperity and progress. Acknowledging NABARD's vital role in infrastructure development through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), he emphasized the significance of providing irrigation facilities. Furthermore, he praised initiatives like the Self-Help Groups and the Lakhpati Didi program, which foster economic development, and noted the successful GI tagging of Risha, facilitated by NABARD's support. He affirmed that the cooperative movement is essential for sustainable development in the region.

In alignment with the International Year of Cooperatives, NABARD Tripura RO felicitated 24 best-performing PACS/LAMPS for their outstanding contributions to cooperative development. On this occasion, Micro ATMs were distributed to the PACS/LAMPS. Further, support was provided for two Rural Haats to enhance market access for farmers and artisans, along with providing infrastructure support to five PACS reflecting NABARD’s continued commitment to strengthening grassroots institutions and fostering inclusive rural prosperity of Tripura.