Cooperative movement ‘empowering farmers’

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar highlighted the pivotal role of the cooperative movement in fostering self-reliance among farmers and those involved in animal husbandry. He was speaking at a gathering organised by the Kangra District Cooperative Development Association on the occasion of the 71st All-India Cooperative Week at Jawali in Kangra district.

The minister emphasised the state government’s commitment to empowering families engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry through economic support and cooperative initiatives. He noted that cooperative societies have been instrumental in implementing government schemes designed to uplift farmers and cattle rearers. Reflecting on the evolution of the cooperative movement in the state, he underscored its importance in improving societal welfare.

Minister Chander Kumar credited Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for launching numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those in the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors. He stressed the need for greater collaboration between the cooperative sector and these schemes for optimal outcomes. He also encouraged cooperative societies to expand their roles beyond lending, focusing instead on transformative efforts for rural communities.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the ‘Him Ganga’ scheme, launched to bolster the state’s milk-based economy. With a budget allocation of Rs 500 crore, the scheme ensures fair pricing for milk and milk products based on actual costs. It also aims to enhance milk procurement, processing, and marketing systems. To date, 61 milk cooperative societies have been registered under the scheme in Kangra district.

The government is also constructing a state-of-the-art milk processing plant at Dhagwar in Kangra district, with an investment of approximately Rs 350 crore. The facility aims to increase the income of milk producers by enabling the formation of milk producer cooperative societies for efficient marketing of dairy products.

Currently, Kangra district boasts 1,058 operational cooperative societies, actively contributing to the economic upliftment of local communities. Kuldeep Pathania, chairman of the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank, also participated in the event.

The minister reiterated the importance of the cooperative sector in transforming the lives of farmers and cattle rearers, ensuring that they benefit from government efforts to promote sustainable growth in agriculture and animal husbandry.