Imphal, March 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, emphasized on Wednesday that peace, stability, and development are fundamentally intertwined, asserting that "development is essential for sustainable peace". During the launch of the ‘State Focus Paper 2026-27’ at a seminar titled “Credit-Led Development in Manipur,” he pointed out that true stability can only arise from inclusive growth. “Inclusive growth is the cornerstone of our efforts,” he stated.

The unveiling of the paper took place at the State Credit Seminar 2026 in Imphal, organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Manipur Regional Office.

At the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the TRIBES project in Churachandpur district through a virtual platform.

He highlighted the significance of financial support in driving development, mentioning, “Grassroots development requires robust institutional credit support. Credit transcends its financial role; it serves as a dynamic force for progress.”

Singh further noted that NABARD's credit forecasts are vital for addressing development disparities in the state.

Addressing Manipur’s economic prospects, Singh identified sectors like horticulture, fisheries, handloom, and handicrafts as pivotal for transforming rural livelihoods.

He urged banks and financial entities to actively assist Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), rural startups, agribusinesses, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's dedication to collaborating closely with financial institutions to bolster credit absorption and enhance project execution.

He expressed gratitude for NABARD’s unwavering support and acknowledged the contributions of the Reserve Bank of India and other banking institutions operating in the state.

Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel stated that the seminar served as a collaborative platform for the government, NABARD, banks, financial institutions, and community groups to mobilize credit and resources for inclusive growth.

He revealed that the ‘State Focus Paper’ estimates a total credit potential of around Rs 3,500 crore for 2026-27, with allocations of 51 percent towards agriculture and related activities, 37 percent to the MSME sector, and 12 percent to other priority areas.

“These projections reflect our developmental priorities and the changing landscape of Manipur’s rural economy,”

he added.

While emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of livelihoods, Goel acknowledged challenges such as fragmented landholdings and increasing climatic risks, underscoring the need for diversification and value addition to boost farm incomes.

He noted that the paper rightly highlights allied sectors like animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, and poultry, which hold significant potential for generating income and employment.

Partha Mandal, General Manager of NABARD’s Manipur Regional Office, described the ‘State Focus Paper’ as a “master document” for planning and credit oversight for the coming fiscal year.

“It has been thoroughly crafted based on the Potential Linked Plans of all 16 districts in Manipur,”

he remarked.

Mandal also discussed the Tribal Development Project inaugurated in Churachandpur, which received a grant of Rs 1.6 crore from NABARD. This initiative is aimed at community development and improving livelihoods for tribal communities in hilly areas.

“This showcases our commitment to inclusive growth and reaching every individual,”

he concluded.

The seminar saw participation from high-ranking officials, including the Chief General Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Reserve Bank of India, Imphal, N. Sridhar, alongside representatives from banks, financial institutions, SHGs, and various government departments.