SRINAGAR: For its role in the development of the agricultural economy and its allied infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, JK Bank has been awarded the ‘Development Leadership Award 2023’.
The Bank’s MD & CEO Baldev Prakash Thursday received the award from Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Arjun Munda who was also the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The event was also attended by Minister of Animal Husbandry (Uttarakhand) Saurabh Bahugana, EX-CJI and former Governor of Kerala Justice P Sathasivam, Ex-Agriculture Minister (Haryana) O P Dhankar and Chairman (ICFA) Dr M J Khan on the second day of 14th Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2023 organized by Agriculture Today Group in New Delhi. Zonal Head (Delhi) Rakesh Magotra also accompanied the MD & CEO at the award function.
Notably, the citation read on the occasion recognised the Bank’s leading role in farmer empowerment besides the development of sustainable agricultural and allied practices in J&K.
“The prestigious Development Leadership Award 2023 to J&K Bank rightfully recognizes the Bank’s efforts, under Mr Baldev Prakash’s visionary leadership, in reaching the unreached through innovative programs. His commitment to farmers’ empowerment through the exercise of their choice has enhanced J&K Bank’s role as a leader in Agri-financial sector scripting not only tales of personal accomplishments but the very development of sustainable agricultural and allied practices in J&K”, reads the citation.
“This award is a testament as well as a tribute to the dedication and missionary zeal of our staff on the ground that translates not only in the welfare of communities across our operational geographies especially J&K but serves best the interests of the institution also,” MD Baldev Prakash said.
Earlier in the day, MD & CEO Baldev Prakash also addressed the inaugural function of the Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2023, wherein he highlighted the Bank’s pivotal role in bringing about positive changes in the lives of millions of people especially those engaged in the agricultural and allied activities in J&K and other parts of the country.
He said, “Currently, our total exposure in the agriculture sector stands at an impressive Rs 8,921 Crores with a commendable contribution of 80% of total agricultural lending in the UT (As on September 30, 2023). While figures are vital indicators of our credit outreach, we remain focused on the financial empowerment of farmers. Our goal is to boost their sense of ownership and autonomous decision-making by providing end-to-end financial solutions.”
“Looking ahead, with Union Government’s ambitious goals for enhancing the farmers’ incomes, we are ready to contribute our part pro-actively, for, our journey in transforming the agro-economy is also a testament to our unwavering commitment towards the welfare of our communities”, he added.
