NABARD and CEEW Partner to Advance Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

New Delhi, November 1, 2025

In a landmark step toward strengthening India’s climate adaptation and green rural development efforts, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

The collaboration aims to advance climate-resilient agriculture, scale up green rural financing, and promote sustainable livelihoods across India’s rural economy. By combining NABARD’s vast financial and institutional network with CEEW’s analytical and policy expertise, the partnership seeks to create scalable, inclusive models of rural climate action.

Driving Climate-Resilient Growth

The NABARD–CEEW partnership will focus on developing diversified and sustainable livelihood pathways, including:

• Climate-resilient agriculture and agroforestry
• Decentralised renewable energy (DRE) enterprises
• Sustainable forestry initiatives
• Rural MSMEs linked to the green economy

The collaboration will also work to strengthen digital public infrastructure, expand access to green finance, and mobilise investment through voluntary carbon markets and emerging rural carbon finance mechanisms.

Leadership Speaks

Shaji K. V, Chairman of NABARD, said the partnership will help embed climate-resilient practices and digital innovation into rural financing systems.

“This collaboration with CEEW will enable us to integrate advanced data systems and climate-resilient tools into our institutional ecosystem. Together, we aim to develop scalable solutions for climate-resilient agriculture, expand access to green finance, and enhance the adaptive capacity of India’s farmers and rural enterprises,” he said.

Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, Founder and CEO of CEEW, highlighted the need to empower local institutions and rural communities through data-driven, technology-enabled solutions.

“Through this partnership with NABARD, we will build systems that empower farmers, green rural enterprises, and local institutions to thrive in a changing climate. The collaboration will also help mainstream innovative financial tools—from parametric insurance to voluntary carbon markets—anchored in transparency, inclusion, and resilience,” Dr. Ghosh said.

“By strengthening institutional capacity and local leadership, we can ensure that climate resilience is built from the ground up and sustained for the long term,” he added.

A Step Toward a Greener Rural Economy

The MoU represents a major milestone in placing climate-resilient agriculture at the heart of India’s rural development strategy, with green finance and carbon markets emerging as key enablers.

NABARD has already set up a Department of Climate Action and Sustainability (DCAS) to coordinate its climate initiatives, including projects that integrate carbon finance into agricultural value chains and climate-proof existing watershed investments.

CEEW’s research reinforces the critical role of institutional capacity, technology access, and innovative financing in scaling climate-resilient agricultural practices across India’s villages.

Together, NABARD and CEEW aim to redefine the future of India’s rural economy—one that is green, resilient, and inclusive.