While presiding over a State Credit Seminar for the financial year 2023-24 hosted by NABARD, here today, Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena appealed NABARD for strengthening the economy of the farmer’s along with the rural infrastructure comprehensively. The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of NABARD in bringing a change in women Self-Help Group (SHG) products by resolving the packaging and branding issues and providing a platform in market places and e-commerce. He said that NABARD should support the dairy farmers which is also the priority of the Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, adding that there has also been strong partnership between NABARD and the State Government over the years and this partnership was visible in the context of progressive development in the State’s infrastructure. To promote the local products in a big way from all over the state, particularly the rural belts of the State the G20 meetings shall be conducted in the State in the month of April and May, he said. He also stressed for strengthening women SHGs working on Tribal Area Development Programme, Watershed Management and various other initiatives.
The Chief Secretary also released “NABARD State Focus Paper-2023-24” and also a booklet on “NABARD in Himachal Pradesh” a booklet on “Low Cost Technology, Models & Success Stories” and ” Farm Sector Promotion Fund -Interventions in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Secretary appreciated the NABARD for assessing a potential for credit flow of Rs. 31971.20 crore in the State under various activities in priority sector during 2023-24, which is 9.59 percent higher as compared to the previous yea. Secretary Finance, Akshay Sood expressed his views on contributions of NABARD in the State through its various schemes. He appealed the bankers to prepare an action plan to bring the level of credit deposit ratio in the State at par with National Average. Secretary, Agriculture, Rakesh Kanwar expressed concern on registration of farmer’s producer’s organization under the companies act owing to issues with various compliance requirements. Kanwar suggested that a framework for hand-holding of FPOs should be built to provide them compliance support and make them economically viable. Earlier, Chief Managing Director, Dr. Sudhanshu K.K. Mishra welcomed and honoured the Chief Secretary and other dignitaries present on the occasion amongst senior officers of the Government and NABARD. He emphasized for formation of more farmers producer’s organizations in the State for the benefit of small and marginal farmers.
