MUMBAI: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) marked its 44th Foundation Day with a commemorative event in Chennai, celebrating its journey as a pivotal institution in India’s rural development. The occasion brought together key policymakers, state officials, banking leaders, and grassroots innovators to reflect on NABARD’s enduring mission and unveil a new chapter of forward-looking initiatives.

The celebrations were graced by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Govt. of India; Shri N. Muruganandam, Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu; Shri Shaji K V, Chairman, NABARD, apart from Sri. G.S. Rawat and Sri A.K. Sood, Deputy Managing Directors of NABARD. The event also saw participation of MDs of Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank, apart from NABARD’s top leadership and senior officials from central and state governments.

A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Fostering Rural Enterprises for Inclusive Growth” set the tone for the evening, highlighting how rural entrepreneurship can serve as a key driver of job creation, innovation, and equitable development. An exhibition showcasing traditional crafts, agro-products, and rural innovations reflected the dynamic enterprise of India’s villages.

Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD, in his address, stated, “NABARD’s 44-year journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to rural transformation. From enabling access to finance and infrastructure to fostering innovation and resilience, our work has touched millions of lives. As India accelerates toward inclusive growth, NABARD is prepared to lead from the front through digital transformation, support for rural enterprises, and mission-led programmes that unlock grassroots potential. Our focus now is to scale high-impact solutions, nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems, and ensure sustainability remains at the heart of development.”

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, GoI, lauded NABARD’s enduring impact: “For over four decades, NABARD has served as a cornerstone of India’s rural development strategy. Its initiatives reflect the government’s vision for an inclusive and future-ready rural economy. As we move into an era defined by climate challenges and digital opportunities, NABARD’s role in strengthening rural livelihoods and institutions will be more critical than ever.”

Shri N. Muruganandam, Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, acknowledged NABARD’s contributions in Tamil Nadu, saying that, “NABARD’s support has been instrumental in enhancing rural livelihoods and building self-reliant communities across Tamil Nadu. Its efforts in empowering SHGs, supporting infrastructure, and promoting inclusive finance are deeply appreciated.”

The evening witnessed the launch of several strategic initiatives aimed at expanding NABARD’s outreach and deepening its development impact:

• Inauguration of NABARD’s Sub-office in Leh, Ladakh, reinforcing its commitment to reach India’s most remote regions with credit, capacity building, and development finance.
• Launch of NABARD’s official WhatsApp Channel to enhance real-time communication and deliver market advisories, FPO information, and product updates directly to rural stakeholders.
• Radio Jingle for Financial Inclusion, targeting rural and semi-urban listeners across AIR and community radio networks with awareness messages on savings, credit, and insurance.
• Graduated Rural Income Generation Programme (GRIP), a livelihood intervention for ultra-poor rural households using returnable grants and capacity support to transition them into formal economic activity.
• RuralTech CoLab Portal, an open digital innovation platform enabling startups, research institutes, and tech developers to co-create, test, and scale rural-centric technologies.
• Launch of “NIVARAN”, a dedicated Internal Grievance Redressal System for Rural Cooperative Banks, offering 24×7 digital access for complaint resolution and governance improvement.

The evening also featured the premiere of “Green Roots: NABARD’s Journey Towards Climate Resilience”, a documentary chronicling NABARD’s decades-long work in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Additionally, the following publications were released:

• “RIDF@30: A Journey of Rural Transformation” – celebrating 30 years of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund and its role in reviving rural connectivity, irrigation, education, and health infrastructure.
• “Grameen Bharat Mahotsav” Coffee Table Book – capturing the vibrant spirit of the January 2025 event at Bharat Mandapam, showcasing rural India’s entrepreneurial and cultural vibrancy.
• “Beyond Numbers 2025” – a narrative impact report highlighting NABARD’s multi-dimensional work across credit, climate, digital, and institutional ecosystems.

With a renewed sense of purpose and a host of visionary initiatives, NABARD’s 44th Foundation Day reinforced its stature as a vital national institution powering India’s rural future. The event reflected not only the achievements of the past but also the momentum for the road ahead, rooted in impact, inclusion, and innovation.

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HYDERABAD: Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) has been awarded the prestigious gold award at FICCI’s 4th Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2024. The Sustainable Livelihood Programme was recognized under the Natural Resource Management and Climate Resilient Agriculture category, for best practices and innovations in climate-resilient, smart agriculture, and sustainable management of natural resources. Under the program, ABF supported Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) which has capacitated rural communities across Khunti district in Jharkhand, Narayanpet district in Telangana, and Ahmednagar and Beed districts in Maharashtra to participate in watershed development work to improve water availability, adopt low-risk sustainable agricultural practices for improvement in crop yield, and strengthen local community institutions to take the development agenda forward.

The multiple key initiatives implemented under this project have led to its scalable impact in the region:

• Enhanced Irrigation Access: Improved irrigation access for farmers in Telangana and Jharkhand.
• Increased Income: Material increase in annual income due to improved irrigation and agriculture practices.
• Diversified Agriculture: Cultivation of fruit and agroforestry trees, development of kitchen gardening, and multi-layer farming.
• Institutional Strengthening: Establishment of local institutions such as VDCs, FIGs, FPOs, and SHGs, leveraging resources from MGNREGS for infrastructure.
• Climate-Resilient Practices: Adoption of climate-resilient practices by over 8,920 farmers, enhancing productivity and soil health, while reducing costs and inorganic fertilizer use.
• Non-Farm Livelihood Development: Supporting households in constructing and repairing animal sheds, purchasing livestock, and providing marketing support for pig rearing in convergence with government schemes and programs.

India’s diverse landscape, varied agro-climatic zones, and rich natural resources present significant challenges for community sustenance, natural resource management (NRM), and rural livelihoods. The target communities in Telangana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra face severe issues such as water scarcity and natural resource depletion, critically impacting agriculture and allied livelihoods. These regions are home to economically disadvantaged rural populations, including tribal groups and landless families, who are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They face increased production losses, higher input costs, and reduced incomes. The program addresses these challenges through targeted interventions across the impacted areas.

Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and Chief Executive Officer of Axis Bank Foundation commented on the award, “Our Sustainable Livelihood Programme delves into a nuanced approach to livelihood challenges while focused on the local context. FICCI’s 4th Sustainable Agriculture Summit and Awards 2024 is a recognition of our efforts and a great motivator. It reinforces our commitment to the need for self-reliance among rural communities. This recognition strengthens our determination to drive with our approach and inspires us to build a legacy of positive change for years to come.”

Training and capacity-building of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and ‘Jalsevaks’, stakeholder engagement workshops, and watershed development have been key to the program’s success. These efforts have strengthened Village Watershed and Water Management Committees, facilitated exposure visits to successful projects, and promoted collaborative workshops with government departments. Land treatment measures, afforestation, water resource development, and water-saving technologies have been implemented to enhance resilience. Training sessions for VDCs, SHGs, and farmer groups focus on planning, management, monitoring, and sustainable livelihoods. ‘Jalsevak’ and para-agronomist training enhances project implementation at the village level.

Prakash Keskar, Executive Director, WOTR, shared his thoughts on the recognition, “This recognition from FICCI validates the core idea that when communities are equipped to manage their resources, development follows naturally. Through the Sustainable Livelihood Programme, we are not just addressing immediate challenges; we are laying the foundation for sustainable futures. This acknowledgment inspires us to amplify our efforts and drive even greater impact in the lives of vulnerable communities.”

The program has significantly impacted rural communities by enhancing water availability, promoting climate-resilient strategies, and increasing income through sustainable agriculture practices. Key outcomes include improved market linkages, increased access to irrigation, crop diversification, enhanced food and nutritional security, and strengthened institutions. The FarmPrecise mobile app has further supported farmers by providing weather and agro-advisories, helping plan activities and manage pests, thus increasing productivity and reducing climate-related risks. Moving forward, the program aims to empower people and institutions for sustained impact.

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MUMBAI: Capri Global Capital Ltd., a leading non-banking financial company, is making waves in women’s development & upskilling through its transformative CSR initiatives. Allocating an impressive INR 392 Lakhs this fiscal year, the philanthropic arm of Capri Global Capital Ltd. has partnered with renowned social organizations to champion women’s development across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.

In the financial year 2023-24 alone, Capri’s CSR initiative has empowered over 50,000 women, and with an ambitious goal, it aims to reach an additional 2 Lakh women over the next 5 years. The initiative focuses on breaking barriers and creating a more equitable society through accessible and affordable financial services, community-led models, and initiatives that foster economic independence.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, the Managing Director of Capri Global Capital Ltd., emphasizes the imperative of effective collaboration between corporates, government, and civil society to overcome barriers such as limited access to finance, education, resources, and entrenched social norms. He states unequivocally that investing in women’s economic empowerment is the key to achieving gender equality, poverty alleviation, and inclusive economic growth.

Capri Global’s CSR initiative goes beyond rhetoric, manifesting in “Sustainable Agriculture Livelihood” projects across 4 states/regions, with a vision to empower approximately 40,000 women farmers. Through regenerative agriculture, nutrition-sensitive practices, and digital technology training, the initiative seeks to ensure higher self-confidence, economic independence, and overall well-being in rural areas.

Capri Global Capital Ltd’s Livelihood Initiative focuses on communication, business, and life skills, facilitating better livelihood opportunities and sustainable income enhancement for 7,000 Small Holder Women Farmers (SHWF). The interventions include regenerative & nutrition-sensitive agriculture, livestock management, fruit orchards, and natural resource management (land development & irrigation) along with the broad principles of agroecological practices.

In parallel, Capri’s CSR initiative amplifies its impact by collaborating with local women’s cooperatives, creating a ripple effect that not only supports Small Holder Women Farmers (SHWF) but also promotes environmental sustainability. The project aims to increase the use of traditional agricultural practices, seed treatment in a traditional way, and the use of organic fertilizers such as Ghan-Jeevamrut. A homemade combination of cow urine and neem oil is employed to improve soil productivity and induce chemical-free agriculture products, fostering environmental awareness. The horticulture initiative has additionally contributed to improvements in maternal and child health.

Moreover, the initiative includes mentorship programs connecting women entrepreneurs with industry experts, market linkages, fostering a supportive network for skill exchange, and professional growth. Community collectives are established to facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, empowering women with market trends and modern techniques. The initiative leverages partnerships with vocational training institutes to offer specialized courses, ensuring that women stay abreast of evolving industry standards, further enhancing their economic prospects.

Capri Global Capital Ltd.’s multifaceted approach extends beyond conventional empowerment efforts, intertwining education, technology, mentorship, and environmental sustainability to create a holistic impact on the lives of low-income and underserved rural communities.

By prioritizing the economic, academic, health, and livelihood empowerment of women, children, youth, and under-served marginalized sections of society, Capri Global Capital Ltd. aligns its focus with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequality.

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