The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of India have stepped up cooperation to expand investment and innovation in rural development, with a focus on livelihoods, climate resilience and inclusive agricultural growth.
A senior IFAD delegation concluded a five-day visit to India during which discussions were held with officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development on strengthening collaboration across rural finance, value chains and entrepreneurship.
The delegation was led by IFAD Associate Vice-President for the Department of Country Operations, Donal Brown, along with Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Reehana Raza, India Country Director Marc de Sousa-Shields and senior representatives from the IFAD India Country Office.
During meetings with officials of the Department of Economic Affairs, including Additional Secretary Anu Mathai and Director Divyasharshini, discussions focused on scaling up investment and institutional support for rural economies.
According to IFAD, the organisation’s proposed eight-year roadmap for India aims to mobilise co-financing, support innovation and integrate successful rural development models within India’s policy framework. The roadmap places self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and cooperatives at the centre of efforts to improve access to finance, technology, infrastructure and markets.
In discussions with Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, key issues such as strengthening farmer producer organisations, promoting self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, improving input-use efficiency and expanding digital agriculture in remote regions were discussed. The talks also focused on climate-resilient crops including millets.
The IFAD delegation said these priorities are already being advanced through projects supported by the organisation in several states, particularly through investments in climate-resilient agriculture, rural enterprises and value chain development.
The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged IFAD’s work in strengthening grassroots institutions and welcomed continued engagement in the sector.
The delegation also briefed officials on IFAD’s expanding collaboration with financial institutions and the private sector, including a partnership with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) aimed at strengthening rural finance and institution building. A letter of intent related to the partnership was signed during the IFAD-India Partnership event for Rural Prosperity held in Delhi last week.
Separate discussions with Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal focused on flagship initiatives such as the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme and Smart Villages initiative.
The Ministry stressed the need to promote entrepreneurship, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural youth and women. Brown reiterated IFAD’s commitment to strengthening community institutions and expanding convergence with State Rural Livelihood Missions and central rural development programmes.
The discussions also explored opportunities for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, including sharing India’s experience with the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile platforms — to improve financial inclusion and delivery of services in rural areas.
As part of the visit, the delegation travelled to Ri-Bhoi district in Meghalaya to review the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (Megha-LAMP), an IFAD-supported initiative focused on community-led rural development.
The delegation interacted with farmer groups, processing units and grassroots institutions supported under the project. Brown also met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to discuss future collaboration in the state.
Reehana Raza said IFAD’s partnership with Meghalaya has continued for nearly two decades and remains important for ensuring sustainable investments for small farmers and rural communities.
The delegation also met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss a proposed initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods in the state.
India is a founding member of International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the partnership between the two spans more than 48 years. IFAD currently finances 35 rural development projects across India with a total portfolio value of around 4.2 billion US dollars.
