India and IFAD Unveil Ambitious Strategy for Global Agricultural Development

The International Fund for Agricultural Development and India have launched an eight-year strategy to enhance rural incomes and position India as a model for agricultural development across the Global South. This plan aims to strengthen economic resilience and broaden India's influence using proven development frameworks.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and India have collaborated on an ambitious eight-year strategy aimed at boosting rural incomes and positioning India as a leader in exporting agricultural development models to regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Launched in New Delhi, the Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2026-33 seeks to enhance economic and climate resilience among rural communities while scaling effective development models domestically and internationally.

The strategy is aligned with India's 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision and builds upon two decades of collaborative efforts, according to a statement from IFAD. Notable achievements cited include women's self-help groups in Maharashtra, which have facilitated over Rs 1,300 crore in bank lending with repayment rates nearing 99%, and innovative cold storage solutions in Meghalaya that enable farmers to export produce as far away as Dubai.

Emphasizing a systems approach that integrates institutions, finance, infrastructure, and markets, the strategy aims to connect smallholders with these resources. A strategic partnership with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was also signed to expand rural finance capabilities. The goal is to transform rural livelihoods to be sustainable and market-oriented, leveraging India's G20 Presidency experience to share successful models globally.