KRIBHCO Director Shilpi Arora led the Sahakarita evam Kisan Mahasammelan-2026 organised at Shahnai Vatika, Gadarpur, bringing together thousands of farmers, cooperative representatives, agriculture experts and public representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Arora stressed the need to empower women farmers by connecting them with markets, technology, training and financial opportunities. Women farmers accounted for nearly 50% of the participation, reflecting their growing role in agriculture and cooperatives.
Arora said farmers and cooperatives can create a stronger rural economy by linking production with processing, branding and marketing. She also emphasised soil testing, organic farming, certified seeds and promotion of local products carrying GI tags.
Highlighting the expanding cooperative movement, she referred to dairy cooperatives, cow-dung-based models and new initiatives such as Bharat Taxi.
The conference also discussed the importance of strengthening farmers’ access to technology and markets. Progressive farmers, women FPO representatives and ex-servicemen were honoured for their contributions.
Arora concluded that strong farmers will strengthen cooperatives and, in turn, the rural economy.
