NABARD Marks 45th Foundation Day in Ferozepur, Highlights Rural Development Achievements
Ferozepur, July 16, 2026: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 45th Foundation Day at Bagdadi Gate, Ferozepur, commemorating 45 years since its establishment on July 12, 1982. The event highlighted NABARD's significant contributions to rural credit, agricultural development, and financial inclusion in the district.
Krishna Pal Rajput, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Ferozepur, attended the function as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Avitesh Sandhu, Joint Registrar, and Raj Pal Singh, District Registrar, Cooperative Societies. Their presence reaffirmed the continued support of the Cooperation Department in strengthening Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and cooperative banks.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Rohit Kashyap, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Ferozepur, presented an overview of NABARD's activities and achievements in the district. Progressive women farmers and high-performing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) were felicitated during the programme, while members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and FPOs presented mementoes to the guests.
Addressing the gathering, ADC (Development) Krishna Pal Rajput congratulated NABARD on completing 45 years of service and appreciated its pivotal role in strengthening the rural credit system and promoting institutions such as FPOs, SHGs, and PACS. He observed that, being a border and Aspirational District, Ferozepur requires more focused development efforts. Stressing the need to promote Farmer Producer Organisations and organic farming, he said these initiatives would help farmers secure better prices for their produce, reduce cultivation costs, improve soil health, and encourage sustainable agriculture. He also called upon banks, cooperative institutions, government departments, and community organisations to work in close coordination to achieve these objectives.
The programme also highlighted the district's progress under the NITI Aayog Aspirational District Programme. It was informed that the district's Priority Sector Credit Potential for 2026-27 has been estimated at ₹9,582.29 crore.
Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), 289 projects worth ₹252.68 crore have been completed in the district, while 22 projects costing ₹66.01 crore are currently under implementation.
Among the four NABARD-promoted FPOs located in Mamdot, Zira, Makhu, and Chhanga Rai, two have achieved an annual turnover of nearly ₹1 crore. The Chhanga Rai Kisan Vikas FPO has also been honoured at the state level by the Punjab Finance Minister. Women trained under the MEDP programme at Betu Kadim have recorded an average income increase of around 40 per cent within three months of completing their training. Additionally, the district's 138 PACS continue to provide services across 611 Gram Panchayats.
As part of the celebrations, a tree plantation drive was also organised. The ADC (Development) visited a mini exhibition showcasing products manufactured by NABARD-supported FPOs and inspected the Financial Literacy Mobile Van sanctioned for the Ferozepur District Central Cooperative Bank (DCCB), appreciating both initiatives.
Senior officials from the audit, banking, and rural livelihood departments, PACS secretaries, members of women's Self-Help Groups, and Board Directors of various FPOs were also present on the occasion.