The Impressive TimesTIT Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com
NEW DELHI, 20 JUNE: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a national seminar in Mumbai on Friday on the theme ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’, aligning with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the ‘International Year of Cooperatives’. The seminar aimed to showcase the transformative role of cooperatives in India, foster dialogue among stakeholders, and chart the future course for the cooperative sector.
In his keynote address, Shri Chouhan said that cooperatives are deeply rooted in India’s culture, where a spirit of collaboration for the world’s welfare has existed since ancient times. He highlighted the critical role of farmers, saying, “Agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing 18% to GDP and supporting about 46% of the population.” Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he said, foodgrain production had risen by 44% over the past eleven years.
Shri Chouhan outlined the government’s roadmap for agricultural prosperity — increasing per-hectare production, reducing input costs, ensuring fair prices, compensating crop losses, diversifying agriculture, and conserving soil for future generations. He emphasised that small farmers, who form the majority, are at the heart of these policies. The Union Minister also underlined the government’s three core goals: ensuring food security for India’s 144 crore people, increasing farmer incomes, and providing nutritious food to all.
Highlighting recent efforts, Shri Chouhan mentioned the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, designed to connect scientific research with farmers at the grassroots. Over 2,000 teams of scientists have visited fields to share knowledge, address farmers’ challenges, and guide future research. He noted the problem of substandard seeds and pesticides, promising strict action and new legislation against violators.
The Minister also detailed the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for TOP crops (Tomato, Onion, Potato), under which the central government will cover transport costs if farmers move their produce to markets offering better prices. Shri Chouhan said this will ensure fair prices for farmers while keeping consumer prices stable. He also spoke of record purchases of pulses and oilseeds and plans to boost soybean and oilseed production.
Upcoming sectoral meetings, including on soybean in Indore and cotton in Gujarat, were also announced. The event saw cheques distributed to FPOs, certificates awarded, and a book on NAFED-supported FPO success stories released, showcasing cooperative achievements.
No Comments: