World Bank Approves USD 776 Million For Punjab, Maharashtra To Boost Education And Farmer Incomes

The World Bank has approved financing for two major development projects in Punjab and Maharashtra, aimed at improving education quality and boosting farmer incomes through the use of advanced digital technologies. Together, these initiatives are expected to benefit more than 60 lakh people and contribute to India's broader goals of economic growth, innovation, and poverty reduction.

In its statement, the World Bank said that on November 25, its Board of Executive Directors cleared funding for two projects that will use technology-led solutions to strengthen education outcomes in Punjab and enhance the earnings and climate resilience of small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra.

The first project - the Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) - involves a loan of USD 286 million. This programme will use technology to track learning outcomes and improve the overall quality of education across the state. It will support 13 lakh students enrolled in primary schools and more than 2.2 million students in secondary schools, while also benefiting 59 lakh children in early childhood education.

The second initiative - the Maharashtra Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II - comes with a funding of USD 490 million. This project aims to strengthen agricultural productivity by integrating digital tools into precision farming practices. These technologies help ensure that soil and crops receive exactly the required nutrients and water for maximum growth, reducing waste and increasing yields.

More than 20 lakh small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra, including 2.9 lakh women, are expected to benefit from this project. The programme will focus on improving soil health, nutrient management, and water-use efficiency across 21 districts, ultimately increasing farmers' income levels by 30% while enhancing their resilience to climate-related challenges.

Paul Proccee, Acting Country Director for World Bank India, said that digital infrastructure plays a transformative role in economic development by boosting efficiency and fostering innovation across key sectors such as education, agriculture, and health. He added that the two newly approved projects align with India's vision of "Viksit Bharat" by promoting quality education for better employment opportunities and using technology to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

The POISE project carries a final maturity period of 19 years, including a five-year grace period, while the POCRA Phase II project has a final maturity of 24 years with a six-year grace period.