DFS Secretary Sanjay Lohiya Inaugurates NABARD Experience Centre in Mumbai
Technology-enabled centre showcases NABARD’s development journey, rural initiatives and impact across India
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has unveiled a state-of-the-art Experience Centre at its Head Office in Mumbai. Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, inaugurated the centre, which presents NABARD’s journey, achievements and impact on rural India through an immersive and technology-enabled format.
The centre brings together milestones, rural development initiatives and success stories while offering visitors interactive access to NABARD-supported projects, schemes and interventions.
Experience Centre Highlights NABARD’s Rural Development Work
The Experience Centre takes visitors through NABARD’s development journey, from key milestones and rural success stories to initiatives focused on the future of rural development.
Through interactive touchpoints, visitors can explore projects supported by NABARD and learn about its schemes and interventions. The centre also presents the institution’s leadership, organisational journey and stories of impact through a combination of physical and digital exhibits.
The exhibits cover areas including climate-resilient agriculture, self-help groups, rural infrastructure and digital financial inclusion, providing visitors with an overview of NABARD’s work in these areas.
Centre Inaugurated in Presence of Senior Officials
The inauguration was attended by Dr Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD; Shri Goverdhan S. Rawat; Dr Ajay K. Sood; and Shri Rakesh Kashyap, Deputy Managing Directors, NABARD; Smt. Shwetha Rao B., Director, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, along with senior NABARD officials.
Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, highlighted NABARD’s role in strengthening rural development and welcomed the Experience Centre as a platform showcasing its impact.
NABARD Positions Centre as a Platform for Engagement
On the occasion, Dr Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD, said:
“NABARD’s journey mirrors the evolving aspirations and developmental needs of rural India. From its inception as a refinancing institution, NABARD has transformed into a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable rural development, fostering growth in agriculture, rural infrastructure, enterprises and resilient communities, while advancing the policy priorities of the Government of India. Rural India today is not merely a beneficiary of development interventions, but a dynamic engine of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic progress. The NABARD Experience Centre serves as a bridge between our initiatives and the people and communities they are designed to empower. By showcasing the impact of our work, it will deepen public understanding, stimulate meaningful dialogue and strengthen partnerships in support of India’s rural development agenda.”
Located at NABARD’s Head Office in Mumbai, the centre also highlights the institution’s role as a development financial institution and catalyst for technology-driven rural transformation.
NABARD works with the Government of India, State governments, startups, research institutions, financial institutions and rural entrepreneurs to co-develop solutions and strengthen the rural innovation ecosystem.
The Experience Centre showcases several such solutions, including initiatives that have already been piloted and implemented to address real-world rural challenges. It also provides a platform for dialogue aimed at advancing rural development.