Bhubaneswar, Aug. 24: Finance minister Sashi Bhusan Behera today lauded the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) for its consistent support to the state under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Behera inaugurated a state-level planning and sensitisation workshop organised by Nabard to sensitise the government's implementing departments.
"More than 75 per cent people of our state depend on agriculture. Rural infrastructure investments help raise the socio-economic status of the rural people through increased income levels and quality of life," Behera said.
"Odisha has excelled in project implementation of rural and agricultural programmes thanks to Nabard's support," he said.
Drawing a comparison between Odisha and states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab, Behera said: "The growth of agriculture in our state is more consistent and agro-industries have a bright future."
He also urged the implementing departments and Nabard to co-ordinate closely.
Finance secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said: "RIDF is the cheapest source of funds for the state government and any assistance given by Nabard would certainly help Odisha. Effective project preparation, grounding and monitoring will usher in development for the rural people."
Pandey also stressed on chief minister Naveen Patnaik's focus on three Ts - teamwork, technology, transparency - to achieve the desired development goal. He also highlighted the importance of Long-Term Irrigation Fund and Nabard Infrastructure Development Assistance in the state.
Nabard's chief general manager for Odisha region, K. C. Panigrahi, delivered the keynote address where he elaborated on the RIDF's 36 eligible activities. He also highlighted Nabard's achievements in Odisha.
Stating that Odisha was the number one state for loans sanctioned under RIDF in India, Panigrahi also thanked the state's planning & convergence department, finance department and all the implementing departments for the co-operation extended towards the execution of RIDF projects in the state.
