FM calls for efforts to cultivate millets Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for efforts to sensitise farmers to shift towards more remunerative but less water-guzzling crops like millets, pulses and oilseeds, and enhance the digital capabilities of rural financial institutions. Ms. Sitharaman, was chairing a review of India’s apex rural development financial institution National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development or NABARD. “With Production and marketing of Shree Anna as a national priority in the ongoing International Year of Millets, the Finance Minister directed NABARD to encourage farmers to enhance the area covered under Millets, and to protect the returns of farmers who are already growing millets.” Ms. Sitharaman stressed the need to boost the digital capabilities of rural financial institutions including regional rural banks for augmenting financial inclusion. About NABARD Chairman – Shri Shaji K.V HQ – Mumbai Established – 1982