NABARD Organizes State Credit Seminar in Gangtok, CS Releases State Focus Paper 2025-26
Gangtok, Sikkim, March 12, 2025: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organized the State Credit Seminar 2025-26 for Sikkim in Gangtok on Tuesday, with Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang gracing the occasion as the chief guest.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including senior officials from line departments, academicians from Sikkim University and GBP NIHE, senior officials from Spices Board, State Level Bankers Committee, bankers, and beneficiaries from FPO and tribal and spring-shed development projects. The seminar aimed to promote collaboration and coordination among stakeholders for achieving the development objectives of Sikkim and the country’s goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
Ajay Kumar Sinha, General Manager and OIC of NABARD Sikkim, welcomed the guests and highlighted the unique and vibrant economy of Sikkim, shaped by its natural resources, cultural heritage, and sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasized the importance of adopting a cooperative model and FPOs for small and marginal farmers, who are facing issues like lower productivity, lack of value addition, and inadequate marketing facilities.
Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang released the State Focus Paper 2025-26, prepared by NABARD, which estimated a credit potential of Rs. 1474.81 crore for the priority sector in Sikkim for the year 2025-26. The paper also estimated a potential of Rs. 521.06 crore towards agriculture loans, covering farm credit, agri-infrastructure, and agri-ancillary activities.
The event also showcased various initiatives undertaken by NABARD in areas like tribal development, spring-shed based watershed development, financial inclusion, formation and promotion of community-based organizations, and credit support for infrastructure. NABARD’s General Manager, Anil Kumar Yadav, made a presentation on credit projections under the State Focus Paper 2025-26.
The seminar also saw the ceremonial handing over of grants totaling Rs. 57.88 lakh and releases amounting to Rs. 51.90 lakh to bankers, SRLM, and project partners, including FPO. Beneficiaries from NABARD’s developmental projects shared their experiences of receiving grant assistance-based projects.
The event concluded with a small exhibition of FPO and SHGs demonstrating products produced and supported by NABARD. Jigme Dorjee Bhutia, Secretary, Agriculture department, appreciated NABARD’s role in rural development, SHG development, financial inclusion, and strengthening cooperatives.
As Sikkim grapples with specific challenges like low surplus production, fewer enterprising farmers, and migration to urban areas, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for concerted action among stakeholders to address these issues. He advised the creation of region-specific mapping of products and urged banks to create awareness about credit discipline.
The event was a testament to NABARD’s commitment to integrating rural communities and promoting social and economic development in Sikkim.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/nabard-organizes-state-credit-seminar-2025-26-in-gangtok-cs-releases-state-focus-paper-2025-26-at-nabard-seminar
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