Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the Annual General Meeting of Amreli’s cooperative institutions and the “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” program, organised under the leadership of NCUI and IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani.
The event brought together Amreli District Central Cooperative Bank, Amar Dairy, Amreli District Cooperative Union, the Government Purchase-Sale Union, and several other local cooperative bodies, along with a large gathering of farmers, cattle rearers, cooperative members, MPs, MLAs, and industry leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Patel traced Gujarat’s cooperative movement to the freedom struggle, highlighting the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s efforts to unite farmers through milk cooperatives.
He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cooperatives have gained renewed focus, supported by a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation. “Gujarat’s cooperative sector has become a national model, empowering farmers, women, and rural communities,” Patel remarked. He urged citizens to prioritise indigenous products during festivals, promoting the “Vocal for Local” campaign to strengthen rural economies.
Patel praised Amreli’s cooperative achievements, including Amar Dairy, which employs over 35,000 people, and women’s credit cooperatives that foster financial independence. The Amreli District Central Cooperative Bank has earned national recognition for initiatives like the Atal Pension Yojana and the Grameen Group Aakashmat Vima Yojana. Patel also highlighted digital reforms, noting the computerisation of over 63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), which enhance transparency and grassroots empowerment.
He participated in tree plantation under PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, linking sustainability with cooperative development.
Dileep Sanghani, NCUI and IFFCO Chairman, lauded the Amreli initiative as a landmark in India’s cooperative history. “Sahkar se Samriddhi is not merely a pledge, it is a reality whose success is evident here,” he said. Sanghani emphasised that the Amreli model demonstrates how cooperative unity accelerates development, setting an example for other states. He highlighted key initiatives including Kisan Credit Cards, farmer housing loans, insurance schemes, and sustainable practices like nano fertilisers to improve agricultural productivity while protecting the environment.
The day-long program featured the “Sahkar Se Samriddhi – Sahakar Parishvad” conference, discussing the sector’s growth trajectory, future opportunities, and its role in socio-economic empowerment. CM Patel felicitated senior veterans and newly appointed office bearers, while IFFCO leaders reinforced the cooperative sector’s commitment to public welfare and inclusive growth. Micro-ATMs were handed to rural cooperatives, and beneficiaries of government insurance schemes received cheques, reflecting the practical impact of cooperative initiatives.
Amreli’s cooperative institutions, under the combined influence of Dileep Sanghani’s visionary leadership and CM Patel’s guidance, showcased a thriving ecosystem that blends economic progress with social responsibility. The event underlined Gujarat’s role as a forerunner in the cooperative revolution, inspiring a new era of inclusive and sustainable development across India.
