National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

The Indian economy post independence was an agricultural economy. After independence, the focus was mainly on manufacturing and trade sector of the economy to boost development. However, a major part of the population in India live in the rural sector and so it is important to develop rural financial activities. This is why the government set up NABARD.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

As the name suggests NABARD is a development bank focussing primarily on the rural sector of the country. It is, in fact, India‘s apex development bank. It is one of the most important institutions in the country. NABARD is responsible for the development of the small industries, cottage industries, and any other such village or rural projects.

Established on 12th July 1982, it had an initial capital of 100 crores. The bank is under the supervision of a Board of Directors which the Government of India will appoint. The headquarters of NABARD is in Mumbai but it has many branches and regional divisions.

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NABARD is instrumental in the development and efficiency of the current rural credit system. Over half the credit in the rural region comes from Co-operative banks and Regional Rural Banks. NABARD is responsible for regulating and supervising the functioning of such banks. Over the years NABARD has been pushing for development in the credit schemes for rural populations to meet their new credit requirements.

Other than meeting credit requirements of the rural sector NABARD is also instrumental in social innovations and projects. It partners with various organizations for many innovative projects such as SHG-Bank linking, innovative schemes for water and soil conservation. Over the last three decades, the institution has gained goodwill and trust in the farmers and rural communities.

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Functions of NABARD

Let us take a look at some of the main functions of this organisation. It basically performs three kinds of roles, i.e. credit functions, development functions, and supervisory functions.

Frames the policy for rural credit in the country for all financing institutions
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development will itself provide finance and refinancing facilities to the banks and rural regional banks
Identification of credit potential and preparation of the credit plans for all districts
It also helps all regional banks and institutes under its governance with the preparation of their own credit plans and policies
Helps Regional Rural Banks establish an agreement with State Governments and other Co-op Banks and institutions
It will also monitor the implementation of such plans and track their progress
Helps banks improve their MIS system, modernize their technology, develop human resources etc
As per the Banking Regulation Act 1949, NABARD has to conduct the inspection of Regional Rural Banks and other Co-op banks
It communicates and consults the RBI in matters such as issuing of licenses for new banks, the opening of branches of Rural Banks etc.
From time to time it will also inspect the investment portfolios of Regional Rural Banks and other State Co-op Banks

Question Regarding NABARD

Q: NABARD only focuses on rural credit facilities as a means of development. True or false?

Ans: This statement is False. NABARD also focuses on development through other functions such as Resource Management Programs, Tribal Development Programs, associating with various SHG’s, educating farmers about new innovations etc.

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