Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2026–2033

The Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) is a long-term framework led by the International Fund for Agricultural Development to support rural development and poverty reduction in India during the period 2026–2033.

The programme aligns with India’s developmental vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and focuses on building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable rural communities.

About COSOP 2026–2033 for India

AspectDetailsProgrammeCountry Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP)Duration2026–2033Led ByIFADMain FocusRural development and poverty reductionAlignmentViksit Bharat@2047Key ThemesResilience, livelihood generation, sustainability, inclusion

Background

India has made significant progress in poverty reduction.

Key Data

• Extreme poverty declined from 40% in 2004 to 2.3% in 2022.

• However, nearly 11% of the population remains multidimensionally poor.

Multidimensional Poverty Includes

• Poor health

• Lack of education

• Inadequate living standards

• Limited access to services

“Poverty is not only lack of income, but lack of opportunity, resilience, and dignity.”

Aim of COSOP 2026–2033

Main Aim

To:

• Strengthen rural incomes

• Improve climate resilience

• Expand sustainable livelihood opportunities

• Reduce rural poverty

Strategic Goal

Goal

To build:

• Comprehensive rural prosperity

• Climate resilience

• Inclusive rural growth

within the framework of Viksit Bharat@2047.

“Rural transformation is central to India’s journey towards developed nation status.”

Two Strategic Objectives of COSOP

Strategic Objective 1

Enhance Social, Economic, and Climatic Resilience

Focus Areas

• Poverty-free villages

• Climate adaptation

• Sustainable livelihoods

• Rural infrastructure

• Agricultural productivity

Importance

Supports India’s commitment toward:

• Inclusive development

• Climate resilience

• Rural empowerment

Strategic Objective 2

Improve Performance, Visibility, and Scalability

Focus Areas

• Stronger knowledge systems

• Better monitoring and evaluation

• Innovation sharing

• Replication of successful models

Objective

To ensure:

• Effective implementation

• Wider outreach

• Long-term sustainability

“Development becomes meaningful only when successful models are scalable and inclusive.”

Target Groups under COSOP

1. Geographic Targeting

Priority Areas

• Climate-vulnerable Himalayan states

• 10 poorest states

• 112 aspirational districts

Why These Regions?

• High poverty levels

• Weak infrastructure

• Climate vulnerability

• Developmental gaps

2. Poverty Targeting

Focus Beneficiaries

• Households below poverty line

• Small and marginal farmers

• Landless labourers

• Fishers

• Women-headed households

• Rural youth

• Persons with disabilities

3. Social Group Targeting

Vulnerable Communities

• Scheduled Castes (SCs)

• Scheduled Tribes (STs)

• Pastoralists

• Fishers

• Forest-dependent communities

“Inclusive development requires focused support to the most vulnerable communities.”

Key Areas of Intervention

1. Rural Livelihoods

• Diversification of income sources

• Promotion of self-employment

• Skill development

2. Climate Resilience

• Climate-smart agriculture

• Water conservation

• Disaster preparedness

3. Agricultural Development

• Improved productivity

• Sustainable farming

• Access to markets and technology

4. Women Empowerment

• Financial inclusion

• Leadership opportunities

• Self-help groups (SHGs)

5. Youth Development

• Rural entrepreneurship

• Skill training

• Digital inclusion

Significance of COSOP for India

Economic Importance

• Reduces rural poverty

• Enhances agricultural productivity

• Improves rural incomes

Social Importance

• Supports marginalized communities

• Promotes inclusive growth

• Reduces regional inequalities

Environmental Importance

• Encourages sustainable agriculture

• Strengthens climate adaptation

• Protects natural resources

“Climate resilience and poverty reduction must go together for sustainable development.”

Link with Viksit Bharat@2047

COSOP supports India’s long-term development vision through:

• Rural modernization

• Sustainable livelihoods

• Social inclusion

• Climate resilience

• Human capital development

Challenges in Rural Development

Structural Challenges

• Fragmented landholdings

• Low productivity

• Poor rural infrastructure

Climate Challenges

• Droughts

• Floods

• Land degradation

Social Challenges

• Rural unemployment

• Gender inequality

• Digital divide

About IFAD

AspectDetailsFull NameInternational Fund for Agricultural DevelopmentNatureSpecialized UN agency and International Financial InstitutionEstablished1977HeadquartersRomeMembers180 member statesIndia’s StatusFounding member

Objectives of IFAD

Main Focus

• Eliminate rural poverty

• Reduce hunger

• Improve food security

• Promote rural development

Major Areas of Work

• Rural finance

• Agricultural development

• Climate resilience

• Women empowerment

• Nutrition improvement

“Ending rural poverty is essential for achieving sustainable and equitable development.”

Way Forward

Strengthen Rural Infrastructure

• Roads

• Irrigation

• Digital connectivity

Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture

• Sustainable farming methods

• Efficient water management

Enhance Financial Inclusion

• Access to credit

• Insurance coverage

• Digital banking

Improve Institutional Capacity

• Better implementation systems

• Local governance strengthening

Encourage Community Participation

• Empower local institutions

• Promote participatory development

“Sustainable rural development requires participation, resilience, and innovation.”

Conclusion

The COSOP 2026–2033 framework represents an important partnership between India and IFAD for inclusive rural transformation. By focusing on poverty reduction, climate resilience, livelihood generation, and support for vulnerable communities, the programme contributes to India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Effective implementation, community participation, and strong institutional support will be critical for achieving long-term rural prosperity and sustainable development.