Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Madhuban branch of the District Cooperative Bank Limited in Mau, describing the cooperative movement as one of the most effective instruments for strengthening farmers and revitalising the rural economy.
Addressing a gathering of farmers, cooperative members and local residents, Sharma congratulated the bank management, cooperative society members and the people of the region on the completion of the modern facility. He said that stronger investment in cooperative institutions over previous decades would have enabled such infrastructure to emerge much earlier.
Highlighting the Centre’s emphasis on the cooperative sector, Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Prosperity through Cooperation” had given fresh momentum to the movement with the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation. He noted that cooperative institutions are playing a vital role in providing farmers with affordable credit, quality seeds, fertilisers and other essential agricultural inputs, thereby supporting rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
The minister urged farmers to embrace the spirit of collective effort, saying cooperation and unity can help communities achieve even the most ambitious goals. He described the new bank building as a symbol of successful community participation and collaborative development. During the programme, Sharma also distributed Kisan Credit Cards to eligible farmers.
Speaking on the future of the Ghosi Cooperative Sugar Mill, Sharma said the state government is pursuing both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen the unit. He said efforts are underway to arrange around ₹5–6 crore to ensure smooth operations during the upcoming crushing season. Simultaneously, the government is coordinating with the Union Ministry of Cooperation on a long-term modernisation plan aimed at transforming the Ghosi sugar mill into one of the country’s most technologically advanced cooperative sugar mills.
Following the inauguration, Sharma visited the residence of Himanshu Verma, a young scientist from Mau who has been selected as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Congratulating him on his achievement, the minister said talented young professionals are the driving force behind the vision of a developed India and a developed Uttar Pradesh. He honoured Verma and wished him success in his scientific career.
Among those present at the event were Block Pramukh Shubham Singh, District Cooperative Bank Chairman Akhilesh Tiwari, Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Registrar Vijay Prakash Verma, Girija Shankar Maurya, members of cooperative societies, farmers and a large number of local residents.
