Deputy Managing Director NABARD reviews development projects
Bahadurjeet Singh/royalpatiala.in News/ Rupnagar, 20 January,2026 To review various projects and development projects under NABARD, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Deputy Managing Director (DMD), NABARD, along with Vinod Kumar Arya, CGM/OIC NABARD Punjab, and Ramesh Babu Borrigadda, CGM NABARD Punjab, visited the Bari Watershed Development Project in Bari village, Rupnagar district, Punjab.
During the field visit, Dr. Sood reviewed various interventions undertaken under the NABARD-supported watershed development project implemented by the Ambuja Foundation.
The team also visited structures such as the NADEP pit, farm pond, waste weir, and plantation area, and interacted with project beneficiaries to understand the impact on agricultural fields. As part of the visit, DMD and CGM also planted Plum and Peach saplings to acknowledge the ongoing plantation drive in the watershed area.
Following this, Dr. Sood addressed a gathering of around 75–80 participants, including LDM Rupnagar, Director RSETI Rupnagar, watershed committee members, Gram Panchayat representatives, SHG members, and villagers. The Village Watershed Committee (VWC) presented the project’s journey since inception and highlighted the benefits achieved, such as reduced soil erosion, better soil conservation, and motivation for crop diversification. The VWC Chairman described the Bari Watershed Project as a lifeline for Bari village.
Abhimanyu Mallik, Assistant Commissioner & CMFO Rupnagar Punjab, who also attended the event, congratulated the villagers for having a flagship watershed initiative in their village and encouraged them to maintain their enthusiasm throughout the remaining project period.
In his address, DMD Dr. A. K. Sood spoke about the growing challenge of climate change globally and emphasized the importance of community participation in maximizing the impact of projects like the Bari Watershed and Participatory Groundwater Management in Punjab.
He appreciated the strong involvement of the local community in the Bari watershed activities.
The team also visited Purkhali PACS, where DMD and senior NABARD officials interacted with the DR Punjab, MD Ropar CCB, and PACS Secretaries. Dr. Sood emphasized the need for PACS computerisation and adoption of modern technology, noting how commercial banks, NBFCs, and small finance banks have advanced rapidly in this area. He encouraged PACS Secretaries by citing the success of ULCCS in Kerala, a worker-owned society known for its efficiency and quality. He urged all PACS to expedite on boarding to the new ERP system for improved functioning and long-term benefits.
Vinod Kumar Arya, CGM-OIC NABARD Punjab, further advised PACS to address recurring challenges such as inadequate manpower.
The visit was attended by NABARD officials including Ambika Jyoti (GM), R. K. Johri (DGM), Simran Sethi (DDM, Rupnagar), and other officers from NABARD Punjab Regional Office. Representatives from the Ambuja Cement Foundation, including the Plant Head, Ropar, and the Punjab State Head, also participated.
