“When producers are organised, own and govern their institutions, and receive a fair share of the value they create, they do not merely participate in development. They shape its direction.”

Delivering the 13th Dr Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on Sustainable Development at XLRI Jamshedpur, Dr Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD, outlined a vision for producer-led development rooted in collective action, strong institutions and equitable value creation.

Drawing from Dr Kurien's legacy, the Chairman called for recognising producers as empowered economic agents. He also outlined NABARD’s role in strengthening community institutions and rural enterprises through finance, technology, infrastructure and climate-resilient livelihoods, advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.