Kuldeep Singh Rana hails from the scenic district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, a region where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods. His academic journey led him to pursue a postgraduate degree in Agriculture, equipping him with both theoretical knowledge and a deep understanding of agrarian issues on the ground. Rather than pursuing opportunities away from the field, Rana chose to dedicate his career to the service of small and marginal farmers by entering the banking sector, an often overlooked yet powerful avenue to bring meaningful change in the agricultural domain.
Early Days: Cultivating Financial Awareness
Rana began his professional journey in 1991 when he was appointed as an Agriculture Officer. His primary responsibility was to serve as a liaison between the bank and the rural farming community, ensuring that farmers had access to timely and adequate loans. At a time when many farmers were unaware of how to navigate the banking system or claim benefits under government schemes, Rana stepped in not just as a banker, but as an educator and motivator.
He took it upon himself to personally visit villages, engage with farmers, and explain financial policies in simple, understandable terms. His approach was always hands-on, field-oriented, and rooted in empathy for the challenges faced by those who tilled the land. Through his guidance, many smallholder farmers learned how to secure loans, manage repayments, and use financial tools to improve their agricultural productivity.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Leadership Role with Purpose
Rana’s dedication and impactful work did not go unnoticed. Over the years, he rose through the ranks at Punjab National Bank, eventually being promoted to General Manager at the bank’s Head Office in Meerut. In this leadership role, he not only oversaw broader banking operations but also remained deeply involved in agricultural outreach and policy implementation.
Rather than remaining confined to an office, Rana continued his practice of visiting the field, interacting with farmers, and addressing their concerns directly. He remained committed to ensuring that the bank's policies and financial products served the needs of the farming community effectively.
Navigating the Floriculture Boom: A Case of Practical Intervention
A particularly pivotal moment in Rana’s career came when there was a widespread shift in farmer interest towards floriculture, a high-risk, high-reward sector that had recently gained popularity. Attracted by the promise of quick profits, many farmers considered abandoning traditional crops to grow flowers.
Recognizing the potential pitfalls, Rana intervened decisively. Rather than discouraging innovation, he offered balanced, practical advice by explaining the dynamics of the market. He emphasized the need for proper planning, risk assessment, and most importantly, infrastructure like warehousing and cold storage.
He went village to village, explaining to farmers how they could not only preserve their perishable produce better but also command higher prices with minimal wastage. His counsel helped farmers make informed decisions, avoiding speculative pitfalls while adapting to changing market trends with a pragmatic approach.
Gram Sampark Abhiyan: Bringing Banking to the Doorstep
On October 2, 2020, under Rana’s leadership, Punjab National Bank launched the Gram Sampark Abhiyan, a grassroots campaign that saw banking officers establish camps in villages across various regions. The objective was simple but significant - to demystify government schemes and bank policies for rural communities and ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.
This initiative allowed farmers to access critical information right at their doorstep, saving them the time and cost of traveling to distant towns. Through awareness sessions, document assistance, and direct interaction with officials, thousands of farmers were brought into the financial mainstream. The success of the program stands as a testament to Rana’s vision of inclusive banking.
The Mega Krishi Outreach Program: Scaling Awareness Nationwide
Building upon the success of regional initiatives like the Gram Sampark Abhiyan, Punjab National Bank has recently launched a nationwide Mega Krishi Outreach Program. This ambitious project aims to bridge the persistent gap between policy and implementation by proactively reaching out to farmers with updates on the latest schemes, subsidies, and loan facilities.
A major roadblock to the success of agricultural schemes in India is the lack of awareness among farmers. Many beneficial policies either remain underutilized or fail altogether because information doesn’t reach the ground in time. Aware of this systemic issue, Rana advocated for a structural solution, the appointment of 1200–1300 agriculture officers across PNB branches, whose sole responsibility is to serve as conduits of information and assistance to farmers.
By institutionalizing agricultural support within the banking system, this initiative hopes to bring lasting change to how farmers interact with policy and finance.
Joining Hands with GFBN: A Step Toward Collaborative Reform
Kuldeep Singh Rana’s association with the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) marks another significant milestone in his journey. The GFBN summit brings together stakeholders from across the agriculture ecosystem - farmers, industrialists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics.
Rana sees this platform as a unique opportunity to voice the concerns of Indian farmers on a national and international stage. Through thoughtful discussions and collaboration, he hopes to influence policy reform, enhance banking models, and make a strong appeal to the Government of India for more flexible, need-based agricultural schemes.
His vision is clear, policies should not be one-size-fits-all. They must evolve with the changing needs of diverse agricultural communities across the country. At GFBN, Rana intends to push for more adaptive, farmer-centric governance in agriculture.
A Legacy of Service and Vision
Kuldeep Singh Rana's career exemplifies how thoughtful leadership, when combined with grassroots engagement, can bring transformative change to rural India. His contributions span financial literacy, infrastructure development, policy dissemination, and institutional reform.
From the hills of Himachal Pradesh to the conference halls of national summits, Rana has remained steadfast in his commitment to uplift India’s farmers. His work continues to serve as a model for what can be achieved when empathy, expertise, and execution come together with a singular purpose, empowering the hands that feed the nation.
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals—farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
