Mangalore: India is predominantly an agricultural country.  The national development rests with rural development, while National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has been striving in this regard, said NABARD chairman Prakash Bakshi.

Bakshi was speaking after inaugurating newly-set-up Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD) at Bondel, here on Friday May 17.

The rural banks play vital role in national development, while the rural people and peasants form partners in prosperity.  NABARD has been offering training to rural peasants in managing their funds and it has been successful to 65 percent in this regard, said Bakshi.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Bank former chairman Anantakrishna said that coastal district is the cradle of 22 banks, out of which 5 are most successful, said Anantakrishna.  He hoped the BIRD will impart quality training in shaping the future of Bank staff who will serve in remote villages, hoped Anantakrishna.

Syndicate Bank former chairman Dr N Tingalaya, Corporation Bank CEO B K Srivatsava, NABARD chief general manager K M Rao, BIRD – Lucknow DGM R Srinivasan was present at the occasion.

BIRD – Mangalore joint director R Venkataswamy welcomed the gathering.