The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an apex development financial institution in India that focuses on rural development. It was established on July 12, 1982, by a special act of the Indian Parliament. NABARD’s primary objective is to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development through various financial and non-financial initiatives.

Since 2014, the Community Development Society (CDS) has been collaborating with NABARD to uplift rural areas. This partnership aims to implement various programs and projects that contribute to the socio-economic development of rural communities. Some of the initiatives supported by NABARD through CDS:

Financial Literacy Programme:

 NABARD supports CDS in organizing financial literacy programs aimed at educating rural populations about financial management, banking services, savings, investments, and other related topics.

Promotion of Farmers Clubs:

Through NABARD’s support, CDS promotes the formation and functioning of farmers clubs in rural areas. These clubs serve as platforms for farmers to exchange knowledge, access information on modern agricultural practices, and collectively address common challenges.

Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):

With NABARD’s assistance, CDS facilitates the establishment of FPOs, which are collective enterprises formed by farmers to enhance their bargaining power in the market, improve productivity, and ensure better returns for their produce.

Establishment of Rural Mart:

NABARD supports CDS in setting up a Rural Mart, which serves as a marketplace for local products produced by rural communities. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among rural artisans and small-scale producers.

Skill Development Training – Aluminium Frame Assembling:

CDS conducts skill development training programs on Aluminium Frame Assembling with the backing of NABARD. This training equips individuals with the necessary skills to engage in aluminium frame assembly activities, creating employment opportunities locally.

Implementation of Tribal Development Projects:

With funding from the Tribal Development Fund facilitated by NABARD, CDS implements projects focused on the holistic development of tribal communities through integrated farming. These initiatives aim to address specific needs and challenges faced by tribal populations in terms of livelihoods, healthcare, and infrastructure. A total of 400 tribal farmers benefitted the projects.

The collaboration between CDS and NABARD has been instrumental in driving positive change in rural areas through a range of impactful initiatives aimed at empowering communities economically and socially.