Essential NABARD Schemes Transforming India's Rural and Agricultural Landscape
NABARD (National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development) manages credit systems and implements development schemes for India's agricultural and rural sectors. Here are the key NABARD schemes driving rural development and agricultural growth:
People working in agricultural field
Watershed Management Program
- Addresses soil erosion, deforestation, and climate change
- 1,835 successful projects completed
- Total investment: ₹16,860 million
- Open to anyone interested in irrigation and rural infrastructure development
AgriClinic and AgriBusiness Centres Scheme
- Provides financial assistance and expert agricultural advice
- Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Agriculture graduates
- Diploma holders in agricultural studies
- Post-graduates in agriculture (with biological science background)
Micro Irrigation Fund
- Corpus: ₹5000 crores
- Target: 10 million hectares coverage
- Promotes "Per Drop More Crop" initiative
- Offers financial support for modern irrigation techniques
Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
- Established: 1995-96
- Supports stalled rural infrastructure projects
- Improves banking penetration in rural areas
- Direct funding to state governments and corporations
Refinancing Schemes
- Provides short-term and long-term loans
- Introduced Kisan Credit Card for direct farmer support
- Managed by NABARD since taking over from Agricultural Refinance Corporation
Technology Upgradation Fund
- Launched: 2000
- Supports small-scale industries
- Available for approved sectors only
Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
- Budget allocation: ₹8004 crores (2017-18)
- Five-year scheme
- Aims to modernize dairy infrastructure
- Supports establishment of new dairy units
- Focuses on optimal price realization for producers
These schemes have significantly improved rural credit accessibility, agricultural modernization, and infrastructure development across India's rural landscape.
