India, IFAD launch new eight-year strategy to strengthen rural economy

The Government of India and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched a new eight-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for 2026–2033 on May 12, 2026.

The initiative aims to strengthen rural incomes, enhance resilience and expand sustainable livelihood opportunities across India.

The programme was unveiled during the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at the Bharat Mandapam, attended by senior government officials, IFAD representatives, development partners and private sector stakeholders.

Focus Areas of the COSOP 2026–2033

The new strategy is aligned with India’s rural development priorities and focuses on:

• Agricultural transformation,
• Livelihood diversification,
• Women’s empowerment,
• Climate resilience, and
• Institutional strengthening.

A major emphasis has been placed on strengthening grassroots institutions such as:

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and
• Cooperatives.

These institutions are expected to play a crucial role in improving access to:

• Finance,
• Technology,
• Infrastructure, and
• Markets for rural communities.

About IFAD

International Fund for Agricultural Development is a specialised agency of the United Nations as well as an international financial institution dedicated to reducing rural poverty and hunger.

Founded in response to the global food crisis of the 1970s, IFAD works to:

• Reduce poverty,
• Improve nutrition,
• Increase food production, and
• Promote sustainable rural development.

Its headquarters are located in Rome.

The organisation provides loans and grants aimed at transforming rural communities through inclusive and sustainable development initiatives.

Key IFAD Initiatives

Farmers’ Forum: IFAD established the Farmers’ Forum to strengthen collaboration among farmer organisations, their members, and IFAD member states. 

The forum promotes dialogue on agricultural policies and rural development strategies.

Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility: In 2006, IFAD created the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF) to support Indigenous communities and organisations and encourage self-driven development initiatives.

Public Credit Rating

IFAD also became the first United Nations fund to receive a public credit rating, enhancing its ability to mobilise resources from global financial markets.

Source: DD