NABARD sanctioned projects worth Rs 7,019.47 crore for Assam till March 31, 2019

GUWAHATI: National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned around 3,520 projects worth Rs 7,019.47 crore for the state till March 31 2019 .

The projects covers three sectors - agriculture and related sector, Social sectors and Rural connectivity. Cumulatively, the loan disbursed to Government of Assam by NABARD stood at Rs 4877.67 crore up to March 31, 2019.

Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) projects have covered a wide range of sectors all over the state comprising of rural connectivity, minor irrigation, flood control, soil conservation, dairy development, animal husbandry infrastructure, fisheries.

Besides, support from RIDF for social sector projects including schools and health facilities has been very good.

In an official communique, NABARD said that its intervention by way of support from RIDF has not only augmented rural infrastructure in key sectors, but it has also ensured reduction of time and cost overrun through a robust system of project appraisal and independent monitoring. The RIDF intervention have also resulted in increased business opportunities for the banks as another major outcome of the completed RIDF assisted projects.

NABARD's Assam Regional Office organised a state-level RIDF workshop, which was attended by state agriculture minister Atul Bora

The minister said that Infrastructure development is a necessary pre-condition for integrated rural development. To facilitate income enhancement, provide quality service and easy access to market and other facilities to rural population of Assam, there needs massive investments in rural infrastructure in sectors like agriculture and its allied services such as soil and water resource management, irrigation, rural connectivity, renewable energy etc. besides social sectors.

He said that government of Assam is committed to substantially enhance the investment in rural infrastructure with an aim to further strengthen the welfare and rights of the rural community.

NABARD Chief General Manager SS Saha impressed upon the departments to make use of NABCONS services as a prospective tool in preparing Detailed Project Report and third party monitoring and evaluation of various projects.