The 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations began in Sikkim on Friday with a state-level programme held at Sahakari Bhawan, Tadong, Gangtok.
The event was graced by Arun Kumar Upreti, Hon’ble Minister for Cooperation and Rural Development, Government of Sikkim, who inaugurated the week-long observance.
This year’s theme, “Cooperatives: The Vehicle of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through Farming Cooperatives or FPOs,” was celebrated alongside Sikkim’s special initiative, “Connect to Earth – Mission Revival of Barren and Fallow Land.”
The Cooperation Department acknowledged the guidance of Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and highlighted the strong support of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, whose leadership has accelerated cooperative growth across the State.
Officials emphasized that the youth of Sikkim must play a central role in revitalizing agriculture, strengthening Farming Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and building sustainable rural livelihoods. The “Connect to Earth” mission aims to transform unused land into productive assets through cooperative-driven agriculture, modern technology, and scientific farming practices.
The programme concluded with a call to all cooperative officers, staff, and board members to expand membership registration and identify young mentors for cooperative-led agricultural transformation.