NABARD, Mizoram Regional Office, celebrated its 45th Foundation Day at the Conference Hall, NABARD RO MINECO, Khatla, Aizawl, in the presence of Pu B. Lalchhanzova, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of Mizoram and other dignitaries from the Government, RBI, banking sector, academia, cooperatives, and development institutions.
Established in 1982 as the apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development, NABARD has played a pivotal role in strengthening rural credit, infrastructure, livelihoods, producer organizations, and financial inclusion across the country.
Welcoming the gathering, Bhaskar Manta, General Manager (OIC), NABARD, highlighted NABARD’s developmental initiatives and achievements in Mizoram, while an overview of the institution’s activities in the State was presented by Lalrokunga Chhakchhuak, DGM, NABARD.
In his keynote address, Minister B. Lalchhanzova fondly recalled his long association with NABARD as an NGO channel partner. He highlighted NABARD’s support in revitalizing the State’s handloom sector through the Thenzawl Handloom Cluster Project sanctioned during his tenure as Chairman of CODNERC. Appreciating NABARD’s commitment to rural development, he noted that the institution’s interventions have always remained relevant to the local context and responsive to the needs of the people. Recalling several social and community development projects implemented with NABARD support, he remarked that visiting NABARD always felt like “coming home” because of his association with the institution over the years.
A major highlight of the programme was a lecture on “Women-Led Development in Agriculture in Mizoram” delivered by Prof. Lalhriatpuii, Department of Economics, Mizoram University.
In his special address, PT. Lhungdim, General Manager, RBI, appreciated NABARD’s sustained developmental interventions and its significant contribution towards rural transformation and financial inclusion in Mizoram. Special addresses were also delivered by Sheryl L. Vanchhong, Chairperson, Mizoram Rural Bank; and A. Lallungmuana, CEO, Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB), who lauded NABARD’s collaborative efforts in strengthening the agriculture, rural finance, cooperative ecosystem in the State and the support rendered by RBI and NABARD in attaining the 2nd Schedule status of MCAB.
An exhibition showcasing products of NABARD-supported Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was organized alongside the event, highlighting the success of farmer collectives and rural enterprises promoted through NABARD’s interventions in Mizoram.
The celebration reaffirmed NABARD’s commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture, inclusive growth, rural prosperity, and cooperative development in Mizoram through partnership-driven development initiatives.
