NABARD, in collaboration with J&K Bank Kaskoot, organized a one-day awareness workshop for Umeed volunteers under the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) at Kaskoot in Banihal area of Ramban district. The workshop focused on financial literacy, credit-linked government schemes such as MUDRA and PMEGP, financial inclusion, growth of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and promotion of digital banking platforms, with the aim of empowering women and farmers through skill development, improved market linkages and enhanced access to banking products for self-reliance and prosperity. The programme witnessed active participation from representatives of various FPOs promoted by JKRLM in the area along with many local women of Banihal and its adjoining areas. Participants were sensitised about the benefits of banking services, opening of bank accounts and social security schemes under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). Awareness was also created about Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) for women, Mission YUVA loans for youth, and other credit facilities aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and livelihood generation. The session also highlighted capacity building of FPOs to facilitate easier access to credit and markets, linking skill training with employment opportunities for women and youth, and promoting digital platforms such as e-Shakti for effective management of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The initiative aims to empower women and rural communities by fostering self-reliance, boosting agriculture and allied activities through better financial support, and addressing key challenges related to financial literacy, market access and skill development in rural areas. NABARD and J&K Bank are working in close coordination to leverage financial tools and government schemes to uplift rural livelihoods across Jammu and Kashmir, with Umeed volunteers playing a pivotal role as catalysts for grassroots transformation. The collaboration with J&K Bank is instrumental in enhancing financial literacy and unlocking credit access—two critical enablers for the long-term success of FPOs. Participating women were urged to fully utilise the customised financial products and services being offered by the Bank under various government-backed schemes to promote agri-entrepreneurship and enhance farmers’ incomes.