Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the role of cooperatives in strengthening rural economies, increasing farmers’ income, and empowering tribal communities, women self-help groups, and rural families during the State-Level Cooperative Conference and Cooperative Week Programme held at the Agriculture Pavilion of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur.
The event was organised to mark the completion of five years of the Union Ministry of Cooperation, established under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
During the programme, Chief Minister Sai launched the distribution of more than ₹162 crore in incentive payments for 7.14 lakh tendu leaf collectors for the collection year 2023. He also honoured outstanding cooperative societies with the Sahakar Prerna Awards.
Cooperative Movement Driving Economic Growth in Chhattisgarh
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation was a historic decision that is helping realise the vision of inclusive economic development.
He said the Chhattisgarh government, through cooperative institutions, is working to increase the income of:
- Farmers
- Forest produce collectors
- Women self-help groups
- Rural families
The Chief Minister emphasised that cooperatives are becoming one of the most effective tools for improving livelihoods, strengthening rural economies, and promoting self-reliance.
CM Sai Highlights Benefits of Cooperative Credit System for Farmers
Chief Minister Sai said that earlier farmers had to depend on loans with interest rates ranging between 16% and 18%, creating a heavy financial burden.
However, through cooperative systems and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), farmers are now receiving interest-free loans for agricultural activities.
He informed that:
- More than 15 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh have received loans this year
- The total loan amount provided exceeds ₹8,000 crore
According to the Chief Minister, easy access to financial support is helping farmers improve production and strengthen their economic condition.
Chhattisgarh Expands Cooperative Network with 1352 New Societies
Cooperation Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the state government is working towards ensuring that no village or panchayat remains outside the cooperative framework.
As part of this initiative:
- 1352 new cooperative societies have been formed in Chhattisgarh
- Cooperative services are reaching more villages and rural communities
He said that cooperation will play a key role in building a developed Chhattisgarh by strengthening the rural economy.
Government Promoting Dairy, Fisheries, Forest Produce and Rural Entrepreneurship
CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that the cooperative sector is not limited to agriculture but is also expanding into several allied areas, including:
- Animal husbandry
- Dairy production
- Forest produce
- Fisheries
- Rural entrepreneurship
He said the state government is working with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to bring major changes in milk production and strengthen the dairy sector.
The government is also focusing on promoting livestock development to create additional income opportunities for rural families.
Chhattisgarh Aims for Transformation Through Cooperatives
The Chief Minister said that just as strong determination, security forces, and government efforts have brought success in tackling Naxalism, the cooperative movement can bring major transformation to the rural economy.
He expressed confidence that discussions and expert sessions during Cooperative Week would create new opportunities and ensure the benefits of cooperation reach the last person in society.
Online Cooperative Portal Launched for Transparent Farmer Registration
During the conference, Chief Minister Sai launched an online portal of the Cooperation Department.
The portal will enable:
- Fully online farmer registration
- Transparent processes
- Faster and time-bound services
The initiative aims to improve efficiency and provide better facilities to farmers and cooperative members.
CM Reviews Cooperative Innovations and Development Initiatives
Chief Minister Sai visited exhibition stalls set up by various cooperative organisations and appreciated innovations being carried out by:
- Farmers
- Women self-help groups
- Forest produce committees
He inspected stalls from several organisations, including:
- Harit Kranti Tribal Cooperative Society, Jashpur
- Mahamaya Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Korba
- Bilasa Handloom Emporium
- Chhattisgarh Herbals
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)
- Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Dairy Federation
- IFFCO
- Ganga Maiya Milk Producers Union, Balod
New Products, Micro ATMs and Financial Support Distributed
During the programme, Chief Minister Sai launched and distributed several benefits, including:
- Micro ATMs to five newly formed Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
- Five new products of Chhattisgarh Herbals
- Certificates to outstanding tendu leaf collectors
- Handbook of Van Dhan Committees
- Dividend distribution to women self-help groups
- Materials, incentives, and KCC loans to beneficiaries
These initiatives aim to strengthen grassroots-level financial inclusion and rural entrepreneurship.
Tendu Leaf Collectors Receive ₹162 Crore Incentive Support
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of incentive payment distribution for 7.14 lakh tendu leaf collectors.
The government has released more than ₹162 crore as incentive remuneration for the 2023 collection year, providing financial support to forest-dependent communities across the state.
Cooperative Sector to Play Key Role in Developed Chhattisgarh Mission
CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that cooperation will continue to be a major pillar for empowering farmers, tribal communities, and rural households.
With expansion in agriculture, dairy, forest produce, fisheries, and entrepreneurship, the state government aims to create stronger economic opportunities and ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society.
Senior Leaders and Officials Attend Cooperative Conference
The programme was attended by several senior officials, public representatives, and cooperative sector leaders, including:
- Dr. Ram Pratap Singh, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board
- Kedar Nath Gupta, Authorised Officer, Apex Bank
- Rupsay Salam, Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation
- Jitendra Sahu, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Oilseed Development Board
- Shashikant Dwivedi, Authorised Officer, Marketing Federation
- Saurabh Sharma, Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Union
- Dr. C.R. Prasanna, Secretary, Cooperation Department
- Ramesh Sharma, Cooperative Commissioner
Representatives of cooperative institutions, farmers, beneficiaries, and public representatives were also present at the event.
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