India & IFAD Mark 48-Year Partnership Strengthening Rural Development

The Government of India and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) gathered in Rome on 10 December 2025 to highlight a long-running India–IFAD partnership that has helped expand rural livelihoods and improve food security across the country. The event underscored how joint investments over nearly five decades have supported farming communities, strengthened rural institutions, and advanced market access for smallholders.

IFAD President Alvaro Lario noted that India’s rural development programmes have produced results that continue to guide similar initiatives in other regions. He pointed out that India’s experience in building farmer organisations, improving agricultural value chains, and supporting women’s economic participation has offered practical models that IFAD has adopted globally. Lario also emphasised India’s growing role in South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation, especially in sharing agricultural and institutional practices with developing countries.

India and IFAD have worked together for 48 years, financing 36 rural development projects worth about US$4.4 billion, including US$1.5 billion in IFAD funding. Six ongoing projects total roughly US$459 million and focus on market linkages, climate-resilient agriculture, and training programmes that equip rural households with skills to increase income and productivity.

Anu Mathai, Additional Secretary in India’s Department of Economic Affairs and IFAD Alternate Governor, said the partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to inclusive development and practical rural transformation. She highlighted how community-level work—such as building local institutions, strengthening producer groups, and supporting women’s collectives—has contributed directly to measurable improvements in rural earnings and resilience.

Several projects have helped small farmers enter organised markets, adopt improved agricultural practices, and reduce exposure to climate risks. Programmes supporting women’s groups have enabled them to run enterprises, access credit, and formalise their organisations.

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Both partners signalled plans to expand successful models, including upcoming programmes in Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand. These efforts will focus on climate resilience, improved rural livelihoods, and broader participation in agricultural markets.