Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari has advised the Agricultural Development Bank to increase investment in the agricultural sector and focus on import replacement. During the 57th-anniversary celebration of the Agricultural Development Bank, Governor Adhikari encouraged the bank to utilize available financial resources for the growth of agricultural production, import minimization, and export promotion.

He emphasized the agricultural sector's potential to address supply chain gaps and extend financial services to farmers, workers, and marginalized communities. The Governor also stressed the need for the bank to diversify its services.

Sunil KC, President of Nepal Banker's Association, highlighted the importance of sustainable banking services, urging the bank to promote such practices. Ramsharan Pudasaini, Chair of the Bank's Board of Directors, acknowledged the bank's success in managing potential systemic risks in the banking sector. The bank, founded in 2041 BS, focuses on poverty alleviation, small farmers' development, rural and agricultural development, and microfinance services for rural and indigent communities.

On the anniversary, the bank announced an 11 percent cash dividend and a two percent bonus share for its shareholders based on the fiscal year 2021/22 profit. Last fiscal year, the bank's operational profit was Rs 4.82 billion, with deposit collections exceeding Rs 199 billion and loan disbursements totaling over Rs 182 billion. The bad loan portion was 2.78 percent, and the bank's issued and paid-up capital is Rs 18.62 billion, with 51 percent government ownership.