‘Cooperation is the Path to Prosperity’: HM Amit Shah

GG News Bureau
Agartala, 22nd Dec. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, launched a series of initiatives today aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector in Tripura. The event was attended by Tripura’s Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and several other dignitaries.

During his address, Amit Shah highlighted the significant role of cooperatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, particularly for the welfare of farmers and the underprivileged in Tripura. He emphasized that the Ministry of Cooperation, founded by Prime Minister Modi, follows the vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation). He also mentioned that India’s economic standing has improved from the 11th to the 5th position globally, and by 2027, India aims to secure the 3rd position.

Shah further elaborated that the goal is not only to elevate India’s position but to ensure that every Indian, especially those in the cooperative sector, benefits from this progress. He underscored the contribution of over 8 lakh cooperatives in India, involving over 350 million people, with major players such as Amul, IFFCO, and NAFED making significant strides in various sectors including agriculture, banking, and medical support.

As part of the new initiatives in Tripura, Shah inaugurated mobile rural marts via NABARD, aimed at offering affordable food products in five districts. Additionally, 50 primary cooperative societies of Tripura State Cooperative Bank were provided with micro ATMs. He also inaugurated cooperative petrol pumps and a consumer store in Dhalai district. The launch included the establishment of a Smart Training Center of Tripura State Cooperative Union and the distribution of mini seed kits to 500 farmers through the NCCF.

A major development for the state’s agriculture sector came in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency. This partnership will enable farmers to certify their products and land, ensuring higher prices and greater access to the global market. Shri Shah noted that organic farming would not only help boost the farmers’ incomes but also contribute to the environment by maintaining healthy groundwater levels.

Shah also praised the progress made under the Modi government, stating that cooperatives, which were once operating at a loss in Tripura, have been generating profits since 2018. The central government’s establishment of three national-level multipurpose cooperative societies aims to provide quality seeds, market organic products, and connect farmers to international markets.

A significant announcement was made regarding the world’s largest food storage scheme, with plans for 2,000 metric ton capacity warehouses to be set up cooperatively across Tripura, ensuring that no tehsil in the state will be without a storage facility.

In conclusion, Shah highlighted that out of 57 initiatives taken by the Ministry of Cooperation, Tripura has successfully implemented 41, marking a major achievement for the state’s cooperative sector.