Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar on Sunday described Himachal Pradesh as an ideal state for cooperatives while addressing a review meeting of the Cooperative Department in Shimla.
He emphasized that in a diverse state like Himachal, immense growth opportunities exist through the cooperative model. On the occasion, the Minister also launched 121 e-PACS, aimed at further strengthening rural financial inclusion.
Calling Himachal the “fruit bowl of India,” Gurjar said that despite hardworking farmers, fertile soil, and a favorable climate, challenges in storage, processing, and marketing often prevent cultivators from getting fair value.
He underlined that cooperatives offer a strong solution to address these issues and assured full support from the Centre to boost the sector. He also lauded the state for achieving full literacy.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri highlighted that around 20 lakh people in Himachal are associated with cooperative societies, which have emerged as symbols of trust globally.
He said 2,287 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are functioning, alongside 971 dairy, 441 credit, 386 marketing, and 76 fisheries societies. He also sought Union support for digitization of Himfed and Milkfed, computerization of societies, and assistance for HIMCAPS Law College in Una.
The meeting was attended by Registrar Cooperative Societies D.C. Negi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Raman Kumar, Secretary Cooperation, Government of Himachal Pradesh, C. Paulrasu, senior officials of cooperative institutions, and representatives of various cooperative groups.