The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development was formed in 1982. Its purpose? To control credit facilities and other services promoting the growth of agriculture, small-scale businesses, and crafts in villages and rural India. Its central office is in Mumbai. It has regional offices all over the nation.
More About NABARD
- NABARD was set up with an initial capital of Rs 100 crore. Its current authorized share capital is Rs 30,000 crore.
- It works closely with banks, NGOs, and government agencies to plan and carry out programs for rural growth and progress.
- Also, it makes sure that credit institutions offering loans to rural sectors get refinanced.
- It supervises cooperative banks and regional rural banks
- It supports rural infrastructure development through loans
- NABARD Promotes sustainable agriculture, manages natural resources, boosts rural livelihoods and financial inclusion
- Has partnered with over 4,000 organizations to implement rural development programs
- Has regional offices across India and district development managers at the district level
- Has over 2,200 professionals and over 1,100 support staff
- Wholly owned subsidiary NABCONS provides consultancy in rural development and agriculture
- Conducts international visitor programs on microfinance, cooperatives, etc. for developing countries
- Pioneered watershed development, tribal development, and other initiatives in India
- Provides funds to state governments for rural infrastructure projects
- Focuses on climate resilience, has deployed over a third of lending towards climate adaptation
- Seeks to continue climate initiatives through GCF accreditation and blended finance
- Long-standing partnerships and experience in sustainable agriculture and rural development
- It has been working to improve farmers' access to institutional credit through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Over 8.3 crore KCCs have been issued to farmers across India as of March 2022 through NABARD's initiatives