A workshop on ‘Agri Startup- Role of Innovation and Technology in Cooperative Development in India” was recently held at the RICM Patna at the initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India and under the pecuniary support from NABARD, Bihar Regional Office.
The event was formally inaugurated by Rana Randhir Singh, Minister for Cooperation, Govt. of Bihar. It was attended by the Regional Heads of Nabard, NCDC, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Bihar; Vice-Chancellor, Bihar Animal Sciences University, among others.
In his inaugural address the Minister outlined spoke about the ecosystem of society and the startups. He assured that the Govt. will provide all possible support to the startups which will come under the Cooperative fold.
Randhir called for the preservation of the traditional values of society. An excessive use of chemicals in terms of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides has seriously threatened human life. He advised the entrepreneurs present in the workshop to work keeping this idea in their minds. He also said start-ups’ have been introduced in the processing and marketing of green vegetables in the cooperative sector under the brand name of TARKARI.
The minister said till date a total sum of Rs. 12,300 crore have been transferred to farmers accounts against procurement support price of paddy. He further said in the near future efforts will be made to provide electricity, water and other facilities to the villages of Bihar which will in turn boost the agricultural production.
The Joint Secretary, Department of Cooperation, Govt. of Bihar highlighted the need of joint and cooperative farming. He advised the young entrepreneurs to come forward so the govt. could support them.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna Rameshwar Singh highlighted the importance of technology in farming. He committed to provide all sorts of training and support through his university and colleges. He also praised the efforts made by the Govt. for opening more veterinary and agricultural colleges in Bihar.
General Manager, Nabard, Dhirendra Kumar discussed various actions and initiatives Nabard has been taking for the development of the agriculture and rural artisans. Nabard has been promoting and providing financial support to FPOs/SHGs/JLGs etc. in a big way, he said.
Regional Director, NCDC, Patna Surendra Sehgal outlined in detail the working of NCDC and its financing pattern in various sectors of Cooperatives. He said that till 31.03.2019 NCDC has provided financial support to the tune of Rs. 1.25 crore in agriculture sector. Let the start-ups come in the cooperative fold then the NCDC will lend the financial support he asserted. He said that NCDC has decided to lend loan at 2% less interest to the startup.
While welcoming Cooperative Minister, Govt. of Bihar and other dignitaries on the occasion of the workshop the Director of the Institute Dr. K.P.Ranjan dwelt in detail about the concept of start-ups, eco system, incubation system in agriculture. He also gave a powerpoint presentation in detail about the theme of the workshop.
Deepak Nagar, Director, Program, National Council for Cooperative Training, New Delhi the parent body of the institute proposed a vote of thanks. In his address he outlined in detail the working of the NCCT and its training units across the country.