Chandigarh, 13 July 2026: NABARD Punjab Regional Office celebrated its 45th Foundation Day with enthusiasm and participation from senior government officials, banking leaders, development institutions, farmer representatives and stakeholders from the rural sector.
The event was graced by S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Agriculture Minister, Government of Punjab, as Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Dr. A.K. Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, along with Sh. Sanyam Aggarwal, IAS, Registrar Cooperative Societies, Punjab; Sh. Vivek Srivastava, Regional Director, RBI Chandigarh; Smt. Nivedita Tiwary, CGM, NABARD Haryana; Shri Ramanuj Prasad, Convenor, SLBC Punjab; Shri Rajendra Kumar Raigar, CGM, Punjab & Sind Bank; Chairman, Punjab Gramin Bank; senior officials from RBI, PStCB, PSCARDB, banks and financial institutions, and officers and staff of NABARD Punjab.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Sh. B. Ramesh Babu, Chief General Manager, NABARD Punjab, highlighted NABARD's developmental interventions and its continued commitment towards sustainable and inclusive rural development in Punjab.
A detailed presentation showcased NABARD's journey over the last 44 years and highlighted major achievements and initiatives undertaken across agriculture, rural infrastructure, financial inclusion, livelihood promotion, watershed development, climate-resilient agriculture and institutional strengthening.
The dignitaries addressed the gathering and emphasized the collective role of institutions in fostering sustainable agricultural growth, strengthening cooperative structures, supporting rural entrepreneurship and enhancing farmers' incomes.
Addressing the participants, Dr. A.K. Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, underscored NABARD's commitment towards creating impactful rural development models and promoting sustainable, technology-enabled and farmer-centric interventions.
In recognition of 2026 being observed as the International Year of Women Farmers, progressive women farmers shared their experiences and success stories. They were felicitated by the Chief Guest in appreciation of their contribution towards agricultural development and women's empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, Agriculture Minister, Government of Punjab, lauded NABARD's significant contribution to the development of Punjab's agriculture and rural economy. He appreciated NABARD's efforts in strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting farmer welfare, enhancing credit delivery through rural financial institutions and supporting cooperative development across the State.
The Foundation Day celebration served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect upon NABARD's four-and-a-half-decade journey and reaffirm their collective commitment towards building a resilient, inclusive and prosperous rural Punjab.