Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, addressed the ‘Cooperative Conference’ in Nashik, where he launched several cooperative-related initiatives and praised the contributions of the Venkateshwara Cooperative Society.
Shah highlighted the society’s exemplary efforts in uplifting farmers and the underprivileged, a contribution previously acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast.
Established in 2019 by ex-servicemen and farmers, Venkateshwara Cooperative operates in Maharashtra and Karnataka with over 20,000 members engaged in agriculture and allied activities.
Guided by the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity from Cooperation), the society has played a pivotal role in making agriculture a profitable enterprise. Shah invoked Lal Bahadur Shastri’s iconic slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” underscoring the society’s alignment with the ethos of empowering farmers and soldiers.
The conference was graced by several dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Mohol and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde. Shah inaugurated the Venkateshwara Cashew Processing Factory in Belgaon, capable of processing 24 tonnes of cashews daily, benefiting 18,000 farmers.
He also commended the society’s initiatives in organic farming with Gir cows and its focus on renewable energy, labeling these efforts as vital for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Shah emphasized the transformative potential of merging the cooperative movement with scientific advancements to boost agricultural profitability. He highlighted soil testing, a flagship initiative under Prime Minister Modi, as a critical tool for improving crop yields and fertilizer efficiency. The state-of-the-art soil testing lab in Nashik, he noted, provides detailed insights into soil health, empowering farmers to make informed decisions.
Encouraging organic farming, Shah stressed the significance of obtaining certification through the National Co-operative Organic Limited (NCOL). This organization ensures direct profit transfers to farmers from certified organic produce, enhancing their financial stability.
Shah further acknowledged the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation by PM Modi as a long-overdue step toward advancing farmers’ prosperity. He announced the creation of three multi-state cooperatives dedicated to promoting exports, seed production, and the branding of organic products, all aimed at empowering farmers.
The minister also unveiled plans to modernize Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) through digitization, construction of warehouses, and multifunctional capabilities. He pointed out the government’s success in resolving disputes over cooperative sugar mills’ income tax, reducing taxes by ?46,000 crores, and providing Rs 10,000 crores in loans via the National Cooperative Development Corporation.
Highlighting the ethanol blending initiative and other cooperative reforms, Shah credited PM Modi’s leadership for these achievements. He also questioned the opposition’s contributions to farmers and cooperatives during their tenure, contrasting it with the current government’s proactive measures to strengthen the sector.
