CHANDIGARH,16.02.24-State Focus Paper for FY2024-25 was launched by Sardar Harpal Singh Cheema, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Govt. of Punjab, during State Credit Seminar organized by NABARD on 16^th February 2024. Sh. Diprava Lakra, IAS, Secretary Finance, GoP; Sh. Raghunath B, CGM, NABARD Punjab, Sh. Devinder Singh, IAS, MD, PStCB, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, VC, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Smt. Savita Verma, DGM, RBI Chandigarh, Sh. G.K.Negi, Chairman, Punjab Gramin Bank and other representatives from line departments, banks, agriculture universities participated in the seminar.

A potential of ₹2.43 lakh crore has been estimated for lending towards priority sectors viz. agriculture, MSMEs and Other Priority areas such as education, export, housing, renewable energy, among others. Approximately 49% of credit potential i.e. ₹1.18 lakh crore has been identified for agriculture sector.

Sh. Raghunath B., CGM, NABARD explained in detail about the process of preparation of Potential Linked Credit Plan at district level and culmination of the same as State Focus Paper (SFP) at state level.

Finance Minister appreciated NABARD’s assistance, since its inception, in the development of Punjab especially through various irrigation, rural connectivity and social infrastructure projects funded under Rural Infrastructure Development Funds. He raised concern on depleting ground water in the state and appealed for addressing the issue through crop diversification initiatives, adoption of micro irrigation technologies and collaboration with stakeholders. He called upon the stakeholders to take leads from the SFP for the overall development of the state.

Finance Minister felicitated FPOs, SHGs, JLGs and Banks for their outstanding performance in their respective fields. A walkthrough exhibition highlighting the field interventions of NABARD was organized. Hon’ble Finance Minister, interacted with the beneficiaries of various schemes of NABARD and lauded their efforts.