Chandigarh (Aaj Samaj)Emphasizing the leading role of cooperative societies in promoting export of agricultural products, Special Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner of Cooperatives VK Singh said here today that the need of the hour is to give a boost to the rural economy , which can change the fortunes of Farmers will prove important. Addressing the gathering after the inauguration of the 71st All India Cooperative Week here, the Special Chief Secretary said that it is the responsibility of the cooperative sector to ensure value addition to agricultural products through self-help groups. Stimulate the rural economy through exports.
He said the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Agwant Singh Mann is already taking concrete steps to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state. VK Singh said in clear words that the cooperative sector is the lifeline of the country, which has played an important role in the socio-economic development of the country in the post-independence period. The Special Chief Secretary said the cooperative sector should play an important role in taking farmers out of the wheat and rice crop cycle and encouraging them to sell their produce by increasing prices of agricultural produce.
He said that especially in mandis like Delhi, where counterfeit products are sold, farmers can sell their products at good prices. VK Singh said that the cooperative sector should come forward and accept this challenge so that the income of farmers increases and can reach a broader level. The Special Chief Secretary also said that the cooperative sector cannot do this work alone but various departments like agriculture, horticulture and other related departments should work together.
He said this will usher in a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity for farmers. On the one hand, this will increase the income of farmers and on the other hand, it will ensure the supply of quality food to consumers. The Special Chief Secretary said that the cooperative movement in India has brought many benefits to all sections of the society, especially the farming community, which has played an important role in making the country self-reliant in food grain production. He said that the need of the hour is to give more encouragement to the cooperative movement by celebrating such events with full enthusiasm so that participation of more and more people can be ensured.
