Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the 73rd Cooperative Week–2026 at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Layout in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 14, in the presence of Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi and senior cooperative leaders.
Organised by the Karnataka State Cooperative Federation, the event also witnessed the presentation of Sahakara Ratna awards to distinguished contributors to the cooperative movement.
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar described cooperatives as the gateway to farmers’ economic independence and assured continued government support to institutions that form the backbone of farmers’ livelihoods. He said nearly 17 lakh farmers were benefiting from the government’s interest-free crop loan scheme, supported by an allocation of Rs 1,135 crore;.
He called cooperation a people’s movement founded on equal share and participation. MLAs G.T. Devegowda and S.T. Somashekar were also present at ceremony.
