The fifth day of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, an initiative of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, showcased the transformative synergy of agriculture and technology in fostering sustainable growth in India’s Northeast. Themed “Propelling Economic Growth for an Inclusive North-East,” the event explored innovative pathways for development.
Keynote speaker Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, emphasized the Northeast’s pivotal role in India’s journey toward sustainable development. His address set the tone for engaging discussions by notable panelists, including B.K. Sohliya, Chairman of Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission; Prof. Kishor Goswami of IIT Kharagpur; Dr. Lalit Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati; Mark Lalduhsaka, COO of Angel Business Promoters in Mizoram; and Nuneseno Chase, Director of YouthNet in Nagaland.
The dialogue focused on leveraging the region’s unique resources and addressing challenges through targeted strategies in agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship.
Agriculture and Technology: Catalysts for Growth
Sessions underscored the integration of sustainable agricultural practices with advanced technologies tailored to the region’s unique geography and climate. Organic farming emerged as a cornerstone for enhancing productivity while conserving the environment. Digital platform were highlighted as tools to empower farmers with real-time market data, weather updates, and modern farming techniques. Financial technology (FinTech) solutions were also presented as critical enablers for credit access, with digital literacy programs supporting their widespread adoption.
Financial Empowerment and Market Access
The role of government initiatives like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi was spotlighted at the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav alongside digital trading platforms like NE-RACE, designed to eliminate intermediaries and connect farmers directly with buyers. Case studies on promoting niche products—such as bamboo, rubber, muga silk, and GI-tagged items—illustrated the potential for replicating successful models from other regions.
Experts stressed the importance of building a robust financial ecosystem to support rural entrepreneurs. Public-private partnerships and targeted policy interventions were seen as vital for streamlining credit access and fostering entrepreneurship.
Cultural Integration and Community Engagement
Celebrating the Northeast’s rich cultural heritage, the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav included exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, agricultural products, and performances. GI-tagged products were promoted as valuable commodities with potential for domestic and international markets. Integrating cultural narratives with technological advancements was highlighted as a way to foster community engagement and long-term sustainability.
“The initiatives to promote local brands and small entrepreneurs in Northeast India have been transformative. A key effort has been the consolidation of over 250 local brands under a unified identity, leading to the creation of ‘Triim Tribes of Assam.’ This singular brand now showcases more than 180 products and has generated significant revenue since its launch in 2020.”
Programs like Triim Tribes of Assam illustrated how branding and storytelling, enhanced by QR codes and digital marketing, could elevate local products to global platforms.
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Infrastructure Development and Policy Support
Panelists highlighted the progress in connectivity infrastructure, including an increase in airports and expanded railway networks, as critical enablers for market accessibility. The expansion of digital infrastructure, particularly 4G and 5G connectivity, was identified as a foundation for empowering rural communities and driving financial inclusion.
Public-private partnerships and policy cohesion were emphasized as essential for implementing sustainable development strategies. The need for streamlined bureaucratic processes, improved financial literacy, and entrepreneurial education was also discussed to support microenterprises and startups, which are key to the region’s economic growth.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
As the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 concludes, the discussions have laid a roadmap for the Northeast’s transformation into an economic powerhouse. By combining innovation, community-driven approaches and sustainable practices, the region can become a vital contributor to India’s development goals by 2047.
The event has not only highlighted the Northeast’s potential but also reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, private sectors, and local communities. Through actionable strategies and a shared vision, the Northeast is poised to lead the way in sustainable and inclusive growth.
