The Karnataka government is committed to strengthening the cooperative sector, the backbone of the rural economy, Minister Satish Jarkiholi said in Belagavi while addressing the silver jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka Rajya Souharda Samyukta Sahakari Federation.
He said policies and rules would be framed in consultation with cooperative members and assured efforts to resolve key issues by facilitating a meeting of cooperative leaders with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Jarkiholi highlighted the expanding role of cooperatives as multi-service centres supporting rural development, noting their shift from credit-based activities to product-based services such as joint procurement of farm inputs, equipment distribution, produce procurement, food processing and value addition.
He said these initiatives have boosted public confidence, especially as nationalised banks find it difficult to extend easy credit, while cooperatives deliver financial services at the grassroots.
Minister Lakshmi Hebballar said serving the cooperative sector was akin to serving God, as it uplifts the poorest. Leaders including Prabhakar Kore and Laxman Savadi underlined the need to protect cooperatives from excessive control and continue focusing on rural prosperity.