The document discusses NABARD's Rural Innovation Fund (RIF), which aims to fund innovative ideas and projects in rural areas that promote livelihood opportunities. Key points: 1) RIF will fund innovative projects in agriculture, non-farm activities, and microfinance that are focused on the poor, commercially viable, and have potential for scaling up and replication. 2) Eligible projects include those providing skills/technology, sustainable employment, infrastructure, and improving efficiency of credit delivery. 3) Funding can cover up to 90% of project costs and be provided as grants, loans or equity. Priority is given to projects with no other funding options.

1. PRESENTATION BY NABARD Regional Office, Gujarat

2. NABARD SDC Rural Innovation Fund Quotable Quotes: “ The next 10 years would be dedicated as a decade of innovation ” – President of India in her address to Parliament on 04 th June 2009. “ Education and Innovation will be the currency of the 21 st century – President Obama, Cairo, 07 th June 2009

4. NABARD SDC Rural Innovation Fund Objective: To try out new ideas and innovations with a scaling up potential, in Farm, Non farm & Micro finance sectors, for promoting livelihood opportunities and employment creation in rural areas and facilitating financial and business promotion services for the poor.