Sri Vijaya Puram, July 14: The NABARD Andaman & Nicobar Regional Office celebrated the 45th Foundation Day of NABARD at Sri Vijaya Puram today. The event commemorated NABARD’s establishment on 12 July, 1982 and its four-and-a-half decades of contribution to agriculture, rural development, financial inclusion and livelihood promotion. In recognition of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026, the celebrations were dedicated to women farmers and their significant role in rural transformation.
As part of the celebrations, NABARD organized a Technical Workshop on Kitchen and Terrace Gardening, focusing on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, household food security and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. The workshop emphasized practical techniques in vegetable cultivation, nursery management and value addition through processing.
The programme was chaired by Shri K. Vijayapandian, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge, NABARD Andaman & Nicobar Regional Office, and was graced by Padma Shri Smt. Kamatchi Chellammal (“Nariyal Amma”) as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, Smt. Kamatchi Chellammal emphasized the vital role of women farmers in ensuring food security, promoting self-reliance among rural women and advancing sustainable rural development. She also highlighted the importance of organic farming practices in conserving the environment, improving soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
In his keynote address, General Manager and Officer-in-Charge, NABARD, underscored NABARD’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, rural livelihoods, financial inclusion and women empowerment through initiatives such as the SHG–Bank Linkage Programme. Shri Rakesh B. Pangat, Deputy General Manager, NABARD A&N Regional Office, welcomed the gathering.
More than 150 women farmers, SHG members, FPO representatives and NGO partners participated in the event. Short films showcasing the achievements of successful women farmers were screened. Awards were presented to successful women farmers and role models in their communities.