The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has sanctioned Rs 486.47 crore to Assam for rural infrastructure under its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) Tranche XXV, during 2019-20.

Rural connectivity projects have been the focus area with major share of 84 per cent followed by soil conservation and minor irrigation projects (16 per cent).

Nabard has sanctioned Rs 410.38 core out of total financial outlay of Rs 455.98 crore for rural bridges to be constructed in 29 districts. Nearly 27.12 lakh people in 803 villages will be benefited. Better connectivity will also benefit 322 markets, 208 schools and 88 hospitals/health centres creating an estimated employment on account of non-recurring 63.84 lakh man-days over a period of three years.

For minor irrigation, Rs 47.50 crore has been sanctioned for 93 projects in 20 districts of the state. Around 1,900 hectares of land will be irrigated through 91 medium deep wells and two flow irrigation structures. A population covering 1.67 lakh in 141 villages will be benefited, creating thereby an estimated employment on account of non-recurring seven lakh man-days.

For soil conservation, altogether 38 projects were sanctioned for Rs 28.59 crore covering 22 districts. About 27.12 lakh population in 803 villages will be benefited. The area benefit will be 41,739 hectares for a population of 1.91 lakh in 281 villages with non-recurring employment of 5.71 lakh man-days.

The RIDF is one of the rare low-cost windows for tapping scarce resources for the state government at a concessional rate of interest to create vital rural infrastructure.

“Nabard, in association with the state government, is working together as a solution-provider to the most crucial agriculture and allied sectors with the aim of sustainable agriculture practices and doubling the income of the farmer community in Assam,” chief general manager S.S. Saha said in a press statement.

Saha, while underlining Nabard’s various interventions for sustainable and equitable growth in agriculture aiming at rural prosperity in Assam, said infrastructure development is a pre-condition for rural development. “To facilitate income enhancement, provide quality service and easy access to market and other facilities to rural population of Assam, massive investment in rural infrastructure is needed,” Saha said.