Rural Development Council for Northeast States: A Key to Agricultural Growth under NABARD

Agartala, Feb 28, 2025, By Our Correspondent

The Northeast region of India, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, is heavily dependent on agriculture as its primary source of economic activity. A significant portion of the population consists of marginal farmers, making rural and agricultural development crucial for the region’s progress.However, large-scale developmental activities in these states face challenges compared to other parts of India. Factors such as vast forest cover, international borders shared with Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, and Bhutan, and geographical constraints limit infrastructural expansion and economic diversification. Despite these challenges, the Northeast holds immense potential for rural development due to its rich natural resources.To harness these opportunities, the formation of a Rural Development Council (RDC) under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is essential. While various government initiatives, such as the North East Derbyshire District Council and other regional programs, support development efforts, there is a pressing need to prioritize agricultural growth through a dedicated RDC."The Rural Development Council (RDC) under NABARD would play a crucial role in addressing region-specific challenges and ensuring the timely supply of agricultural inputs," said Kiran Bhowmik, Research Associate of the Sixteenth Finance Commission at Tripura University’s Economics Department. He emphasized that timely availability of agricultural inputs is vital, as farming is seasonal and requires synchronization with natural cycles.Without the intervention of a dedicated Rural Development Council under NABARD, achieving agricultural sustainability and economic growth in the Northeast remains difficult. A well-structured RDC can ensure policy implementation, support farmers, and bridge gaps in agricultural development, ultimately strengthening the rural economy of the region.