Port Blair, July 12: “Real progress can take place when we revive the spirit of entrepreneurship in A&N Islands” said the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd.), while speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of 35th Foundation Day celebration of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in the conference hall of NABARD Regional Office here this morning. To mark the occasion, a seminar on ‘Creating Livelihood Opportunities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ was also organized by NABARD.
Lauding the GM, NABARD, Mr Hemanth Songadkar and the team for their commendable achievements in implementing various funding schemes of NABARD for rural empowerment in A&N Islands, the Lt. Governor stated that NABARD has made quantum improvement and this endeavour should continue; expressing hope that NABARD would tie up with other Departments of the Administration and work towards promoting sustainable development in the Islands besides facilitating entrepreneurial opportunities for the Islanders.
Speaking about the funds provided by NABARD, the Lt. Governor directed ANIIDCO to tie up with NABARD and avail funds for implementing various rural projects while Agriculture Department can continue with its endeavour in promoting organic agricultural activities, farmers’ welfare oriented programmes and entrepreneurships in coordination with NABARD. The Lt. Governor desired that the UT Administration must work in synergy with NABARD for various developmental projects in Isles and advised NABARD GM to initiate quantum interaction with other Departments and chalk out plans for implementing rural area projects. The Lt. Governor also assured the support of the Administration towards NABARD in this regard.
The Lt. Governor reiterated that funds meant for the upliftment of rural populace must reach the beneficiaries and asked NABARD to continue its focus on Self Help Groups who should be encouraged to look beyond the existing products and expand their horizon for improving their market. The Lt. Governor urged NABARD and Agriculture Department to be proactive in promoting organic products of A&N Islands and remarked that bee keeping and Brand Andaman Honey which has a high market value, should be tapped to its full potential. “The scope of Brand Andaman organic products needs to be properly tapped and proper marketing strategy should be devised for selling the finished products as well as value added products”, said the Lt. Governor.
The Lt. Governor expressed happiness and congratulated NABARD for having won three awards for their relentless service and noteworthy programmes initiated in the Islands. The Lt. Governor also asked the Director CIARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy to adopt Joggers Park and give a facelift to the park by beautifying the ambience and landscape by planting naturally grown flowering plants, which, he said will draw more visitors and be a treat to the eyes.
In his address, the GM NABARD, Mr Hemanth Songadkar stated that NABARD is focused upon working towards rural prosperity through synergy of efforts. He also solicited partnership with the A&N Administration in carrying out various rural projects as well as creating entrepreneurship opportunities for the Islanders. The GM also recalled various initiatives, programmes and activities of NABARD carried out during the last one year across the Islands. He stated that NABARD is also working in coordination with CIARI for climate change projects.
The GM NABARD, through a power point presentation briefed the gathering about the achievements, targets and way forward of NABARD. He also highlighted about the development functions, financial activities, market initiatives, rural innovative projects, natural resource management projects, technology transfer projects, tribal development projects, institution development etc. on the occasion.
A cake cutting ceremony was also held to mark the 35th foundation day of NABARD. The programme was attended among others by the Secretary Agriculture, Smti R. Menaka, Director CIARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy, SP, South Andaman, staff and officials of NABARD.
Earlier, the DGM NABARD, Mr Murali Mohan welcomed the gathering and also proposed the vote of thanks.
