NABARD, the apex development Bank of the country has completed 42 years of its service to the Nation. To commemorate the same, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has organised the Tarang Mela, from 12th to 14th July 2024 at Morabadi Ground, Ranchi, Jharkhand. The event was inaugurated by Sanjay Seth, Union Minister of State for Defence and Member of Parliament.
The inauguration programme was graced by Ajit Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, Ranchi University; Dr. S.C. Dubey, Vice Chancellor, Birsa Agriculture University; Bibha Singh, Chairperson, Jharkhand State Cooperative Bank; Prakash Sahay, Press Club, Ranchi; S. Subramanian, Dy. General Manager, SLBC, Jharkhand, other senior bankers, bureaucrats etc. The farmer members from FPOs (Farmer Producers’ Organisation) from all 24 districts of Jharkhand and 05 nearby states showcased their handmade crafts, agricultural produce, and traditional goods at the Mela. On the occasion of Foundation Day, the dignitaries also launched a book, “NABARD in Jharkhand”, a compilation of NABARD achievements in Jharkhand in 2023-24.
On the occasion, Sanjay Seth lauded the work done at the grassroots by NABARD to elevate the socio-economic status of rural artisans and farmers. He stated that in the State of Jharkhand, there was still a lot of scope for working for the welfare of the farmers, and the good work done by NABARD may be replicated by various stakeholders. The Hon’ble Minister felicitated the 05 best-performing FPOs of Jharkhand viz. Gola Darpan FPCL, Ramgarh; Snehlata FPCL, Ramgarh; Aarohi FPCL, Giridih, Nirsa Nupur FPCL, Dhanbad, Elangdolang FPCL, West Singhbhum. S.K. Jahagirdar, Chief General Manager of NABARD, Jharkhand, highlighted that NABARD has emerged as a strong Developmental Financial Institution in the country reaching a balance sheet size of Rs 9.10 lakh crore from Rs 4500 cr in the first year of its establishment in 1982. In Jharkhand, total financial support to the State has touched a phenomenal amount of ₹6200 crore in FY 2023-24. CGM also emphasized that “Tarang Mela” is a testament to NABARD's commitment to empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods. He indicated that NABARD has organized this event to provide a platform for rural artisans and farmers to thrive and connect with a broader audience. He also underlined that NABARD promotes and nurtures Farmers' Producers Organisations (FPOs) by collectivizing small and marginal farmers to enable them to reap the benefit of economies of scale in the purchase of inputs, aggregation, value addition, and marketing of their produce by collectivization. So far, more than 1.17 lakh small and marginal farmers have been collectivized into 237 FPOs IN Jharkhand.
Ajit Sinha, Chancellor of Ranchi University, appreciated NABARD for organizing the event and helping farmers connect with city consumers by bypassing the middlemen, hence ensuring remunerative prices for the produce.
Dr. S.C. Dubey, VC, BAU congratulated NABARD for cementing its place as a Development Bank of the Nation. He also pointed out that NABARD has been a vital cog in the development of Jharkhand since the formation of the State in the year 2000.
This vibrant event is aimed at celebrating and supporting the rich cultural heritage and diverse economic activities of rural India, with a special focus on the artisans, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs of Jharkhand. The event will provide networking opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, to connect with industry experts to foster collaborations and business opportunities.
The evenings will come alive with cultural performances from 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM on all three days and the visitors will be able to enjoy traditional cuisine with music, dance, and cultural performances from artisans of Jharkhand.
The Tarang Mela promises to be an enriching experience for visitors and participants alike, offering a unique opportunity to support and celebrate the talents and traditions of Jharkhand's rural population.