BARAMULLA, NOVEMBER 16: The 71st All India Cooperative Week is being celebrated by the Department of Cooperatives, District Baramulla, from 14th to 20th November 2024. A significant Mega Function was organized today at the District Headquarters Baramulla.
The event was presided over by District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, who addressed the gathering and emphasized the theme “Role of Cooperatives in Building Viksit Bharat.”
In his address, DDC Minga Sherpa emphasized the administration’s commitment to revitalizing existing Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and actively encouraging youth to join cooperatives as a tool for economic self-empowerment. He said, “We are focused on enhancing their potential to support entrepreneurship and create long-term economic opportunities for the people of Baramulla.”
The District Development Commissioner, lauded the contribution of cooperatives to economic growth, particularly in remote areas, and reaffirmed the district administration’s ongoing efforts to empower cooperatives as a key part of the economic development strategy.
He also called for the enrollment of more youth, particularly educated youth, women, and marginalized groups, in cooperatives to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the development of the district.
As part of the event, Minga Sherpa, earlier conducted a thorough inspection of the various stalls set up by cooperative societies, showcasing their products and services. The stalls featured a wide range of cooperative initiatives, including agricultural products, dairy, food processing, and consumer goods, offering insights into the growing role of cooperatives in enhancing local economies.
Later,Minga Sherpa distributed Registration Certificates to new cooperative unit holders and awarded Certificates of Appreciation and mementos to six outstanding cooperative societies. Additionally, dividends were paid to Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies affiliated with the Sopore Cooperative Marketing and Consumer Society Ltd..
Earlier, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies Baramulla shared that over 46,000 members are engaged in cooperative activities in the district, with a variety of initiatives launched, including the establishment of the APNA Bazar Sopore, Food Processing Units, and the Cooperative Petrol Pump at Tangmarg, which achieved a Rs. 36 Crores turnover in the last fiscal year.
These initiatives underscore the growing role of cooperatives in the local economy, especially in agriculture, dairy, poultry, and consumer goods sectors.
The Deputy Registrar also highlighted the key role that cooperatives play in realizing India’s vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He added that cooperatives are essential to achieving sustainable growth and economic development, particularly in rural areas, as they empower local communities, promote entrepreneurship, and generate long-term economic opportunities.
The event concluded with speeches from resource persons highlighting the transformative impact of cooperatives in the socio-economic upliftment of their members, and the need for new cooperatives in various sectors to engage more youth in this important movement.
Among others Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, District Manager NABARD, Managing Directors of Kashmir Mercantile Bank Ltd and Baramulla Central Cooperative Bank Ltd and other district-level officers, co-operators, departmental officials, and members of various cooperative societies.
