In his recent meeting with the Chairman of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the Chief Minister expressed his desire that two main industries of the State, namely horticulture and handicrafts, stand in need of pooling in more finances as these are the revenue generating sectors in our State’s rural economy. NABARD is the country’s apex institution in developing rural India and as such, the State should also have its share in that development. In sectors like crop insurance for artisans, farmers and fruit growers, funding though Market Intervention Schemes, NABARD could make lifting exercise. Incidentally, it may be recalled that in new UN framework for funding of climate change projects, NABARD, amongst others, has been accredited by UN as the only agency from South East Asia. On this count the Chief Minister has justifiably sought active support in creation of productive assets and broadening the scope of technical cooperation in skill development projects. Since in contemporary eco-industrial scenario, emphasis is on skill acquisition, the Chief Minister sought NABARD’s support in sponsoring two Skill Training Centres for Excellence, one each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions. This idea is pursued in view of its two-fold benefits; one is to improve production and the second is opening opportunities of employment. The State stands in dire need of improving both sectors.
The Chairman of NABARD has assured the Chief Minister that his organization would seriously consider all the suggestions and demands made by the Chief Minister. However, we have to note that out of a total of rupees 419 crore of loan allocation to the State for the year 2014-15, the State was able to lift only Rs 365.71 crore. For the current year, a total of 419 crore rupees is the loan allocation. The CM wants it to be revised upwards. However, the State Government shall have to assure that full lifting of the allocation would be desirable and depends on proper implementation of the schemes for which the loan is taken.
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