CGM NABARD Visits WADI Project in Premnagar, Applauds Community Participation and Impact

On 1st May 2025, Shri Gyanendra Mani, Chief General Manager (CGM) of NABARD, conducted a field visit to the NABARD-supported WADI project implemented by READS in Chandan Nagar village, Premnagar block, Surajpur district. The objective of the visit was to assess the on-ground progress of the project, engage with WADI beneficiaries, and evaluate its overall impact on the farming community.

The programme commenced with an interaction between CGM Shri Mani and the beneficiary farmers. During this session, the farmers shared their personal experiences, highlighting the significant benefits they have received through the WADI project. They expressed their gratitude towards NABARD and the implementing agency READS for the continuous technical guidance and support that has helped improve their livelihoods.

Following the interaction, CGM Shri Mani visited the WADI plots and encouraged the farmers to adopt intercropping practices throughout all seasons to maximise land productivity. He expressed satisfaction on witnessing the active participation and ownership among the community members, especially the women, in project activities. He emphasized that such community engagement and ownership are critical to the long-term success and sustainability of development projects.

He particularly appreciated the role of women in the project, noting their contributions as crucial to the ongoing success of NABARD’s WADI Development Initiative. He also commended the plantation activities and the overall progress achieved under the project, observing that the initiative is making a tangible difference in the lives of farmers in the region.

Concluding his visit, CGM Shri Mani lauded the collaborative efforts of READS and the farmers and assured continued support from NABARD. He expressed hope that the WADI project would serve as a model of inspiration for other farming communities in the region.

The visit was also graced by NABARD District Development Manager (DDM) Shri Anupam Tiwari, Shri Rajesh Kumar Gupta from READS, and several WADI beneficiaries who actively participated in the interaction.