The national-level cooperators from the soil of Gujarat have hailed the Gujarat State Budget 2025-26, presented by Gujarat Finance Minister Kanu Desai on Thursday in the State Legislative Assembly.
From NCUI Chairman Dileepbhai Sanghani to Nafed Chairman Jethabhai Ahir to NUCFDC President Jyotindra Mehta, Nafcard Chairman Dollar Kotecha and others—all have wholeheartedly welcomed the state budget, which outlines the budget estimates for the Cooperation Department for 2025-26 at Rs 1,453.11 crore, marking an increase from Rs 1,441.20 crore in the previous year.
The budget focuses on strengthening cooperative institutions, supporting agricultural credit, and enhancing financial assistance programs. It also includes allocations for the formation of new PACS and the development of an electronic cooperative market.
In his reaction, Sanghani said, “The Gujarat Budget 2024-25 has prioritized agriculture, cooperation, urban, and rural development, taking several significant steps for the overall progress of all sectors, which I wholeheartedly welcome.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Finance Minister Kanubhai has presented the budget for the fourth time, truly embodying the mantra of “SarvaJan Hitay – SarvaJan Sukhaya” (For the Welfare of All, For the Happiness of All)”, he added.
Nafed Chairman Jethabhai Ahir wrote on his Facebook wall that the Rs 3,70,250 crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, presented in the House today, sets a clear direction toward realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Gujarat through Viksit Bharat’. This budget reflects the state government’s commitment to comprehensive development and progress.
Giving his reaction to the budget, Jyotindra Mehta said, “We hail the budget, especially the announcement for strengthening the cooperative sector in the state. This budget is for everyone, fulfilling the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi—‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’—under the leadership of Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. We extend our gratitude to the Gujarat Chief Minister as well as the Finance Minister for presenting a historic budget.”
Dolar Kotecha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for their visionary leadership in shaping Gujarat’s progress. The Budget paves the way for Gujarat to emerge as a global leader in innovation and sustainable development.
He highlighted that the Gujarat Budget 2025 lays a strong foundation for growth across agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, education, and industry. Key provisions include Rs 2,175 crore for the Kisan Suryodaya Yojana, Rs 650 crore for the Gobardhan initiative, Rs 3,600 crore for industrial growth, and Rs 2,730 crore for metro projects.
Coming to the budget, the Rs 1,453.11 crore cooperation budget for 2025-26 includes Rs 87.79 crore for Direction and Administration, Rs 0.01 crore for Training, and Rs 58.64 crore for the Audit of Cooperatives. The largest share, Rs 1,296.10 crore, is allocated for Assistance to Credit Cooperatives, while Rs 10.56 crore is for other cooperative initiatives. Rs 0.01 crore is set aside for the Agriculture Credit Stabilization Fund.
To support Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), the government has introduced an interest subvention scheme (Rs 1 crore) and allocated Rs 3.95 crore for new PACS formation and Rs 5.49 crore as a financial incentive. Rs 0.61 crore has been allocated for seven new posts under the Inspection and Investigation Committee, and Rs 10 crore for training programs.
The budget also includes Rs 3 crore for cooperative development and digital infrastructure, such as a Sugar Directorate, RCS Gujarat computerization (40% state share), and IT-based modernization. Additionally, PACS will receive financial assistance to integrate with the Core Banking System of District Cooperative Banks.
Support for fishermen, dairy, and sugar industries includes interest subvention on Kisan Credit Cards (4%), skimmed milk powder exports, and long-term loans for sugar factories. Rs 10.56 crore is allocated to develop an electronic cooperative market.
