Nagaland Rural Bank (NRB) and Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate access to formal credit and banking services for farmers and community groups associated with CECS in Mokokchung district.
The agreement was signed on October 8 at Tuliyong Ward Community Hall, Tuli.
Through the collaboration, farmers and community members will be linked with credit facilities including Self-Help Group (SHG) loans, Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and other suitable banking schemes.
CECS is currently working with more than 700 farmers across Mokokchung district through various livelihood and community development initiatives. The partnership with NRB is intended to strengthen access to formal financial services and enable farmers to make productive investments in their livelihoods.
Speaking at the programme, NRB General Manager (Operations) Rahul Singh explained various banking schemes available to farmers and community groups, including KCC loans, eligibility requirements and procedures for accessing credit.
The session covered loan opportunities ranging from approximately Rs 1–2 lakh for individual borrowers to up to Rs 5 lakh for SHGs, subject to eligibility and applicable banking norms. NRB officials also offered assistance with opening bank accounts and accessing appropriate financial services.
Representatives of the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) conducted a session on the formation and functioning of SHGs, including how community members can organise themselves to access collective livelihood and financial opportunities.
CECS Director Subonenba Longkumer urged farmers to use borrowed funds responsibly and invest them in activities that can improve production and strengthen household livelihoods.
The programme also included an experience-sharing session by WELP beneficiary Tongpangnungla, followed by a question-and-answer session where farmers sought clarification on loan eligibility, procedures and access to credit.
The MoU is expected to strengthen linkages between farmers, community institutions and formal financial services in Mokokchung district.