Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that linking agriculture and animal husbandry with the cooperative sector is key to ensuring prosperity for farmers and rural communities. He was addressing a Cooperative Conference organised by KRIBHCO on the theme ‘Role of Cooperation in Sustainable Agriculture’ in Panchkula.
Shah said cooperatives have the potential to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a sustainable and profitable enterprise, noting that nearly 70 per cent of India’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture and allied sectors. He cited the example of Amul, stating that cooperative strength enables farmers, especially women milk producers, to earn significantly higher returns.
The Union Minister said the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation has given a new direction to the cooperative movement by focusing not just on employment but also on prosperity. He highlighted initiatives such as model by-laws for PACS, establishment of national-level cooperative institutions for exports, organics and seeds, and integration of multiple services with PACS to enhance farmers’ incomes.
Shah also underlined increased budgetary allocations for agriculture and rural development since 2014, expansion of irrigation, crop insurance schemes, direct income support under PM-KISAN, and promotion of sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other dignitaries were present at the event, during which several cooperative-related projects and initiatives were inaugurated.
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