New Delhi / Prayagraj: The Ministry of Cooperation, under the leadership of Union Minister Amit Shah, launched 10,000 newly formed multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy, and fisheries cooperatives as part of the ‘Cooperation for Prosperity’ initiative. The launch event took place at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi.
The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan (Lallan Singh), who participated as the distinguished guest. Other notable attendees included Krishna Pal, Union Minister of State for Cooperation, and Murli Dhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation.
The event emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Government of India to strengthen the cooperative sector and uplift rural communities through sustainable and inclusive growth. During the presentation, the Ministry highlighted various initiatives aimed at reinforcing the cooperative ecosystem across the country.
The event also witnessed a simultaneous celebration at the state level in Uttar Pradesh. The program was held at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Auditorium, Cooperation Headquarters in Lucknow, under the chairmanship of J.P.S. Rathore, Minister of Cooperation, Uttar Pradesh. The event in Lucknow was attended by M.P. Agarwal, Principal Secretary of Cooperation, and K. Ravindra Naik, Principal Secretary of Dairy Development and Fisheries, who both played an integral role in the state-level coordination of the event.
Certificates and Awards Distributed to New Cooperatives
During the event, the Ministry distributed certificates to newly established cooperatives from various districts in Uttar Pradesh. Among them, 5 B-PACS, 11 dairy, and 10 fisheries cooperatives received their certificates of recognition for their contributions to the cooperative sector. Additionally, micro-ATM certificates and approved loan limit certificates were awarded to other cooperatives to support their growth. Furthermore, commendations were given to several cooperatives excelling in different sectors, such as Prime Minister’s Jan Aushadhi Kendras, AIFF, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Notably, the maximum distribution of Nano Fertilizers by cooperatives in Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Jhansi was recognized with special certificates.
The newly formed cooperatives receiving certificates included:
- B-PACS:
- Alamchak Development Block, Campierganj, Gorakhpur
- Ahrak, Varanasi
- Bahadurnagar Development Block-Bijua, Lakhimpur Kheri
- Kasimpur, Sitapur
- Kurang, Amethi
- Dairy Cooperatives:
- Tejpur Dairy, Gonda
- Gondha Dairy, Gonda
- Islamabad Chilaur Dairy, Meerut
- Tajuddinpur Dairy, Raebareli
- Maanda Dairy, Lucknow
- Bhorakla Dairy, Varanasi
- Sujanpur Dairy, Jalaun
- Kadar Dadpur, Shahjahanpur
- Saidpur Dairy, Barabanki
- Fisheries Cooperatives:
- Ahiraya Berua, Athiya, Thok Madhav, Atvakatiya, and Behar Fisheries Cooperative in Hardoi
- Fishery cooperatives in Lucknow for formation recognition
Encouraging MSME Growth and Healthcare Innovations
In alignment with the broader goals of the cooperative sector, the Ministry also recognized achievements in the MSME sector. Certificates were presented to Neeraj Vishwakarma from Amethi for the Chief Minister’s Youth Self-Employment Scheme, Shri Jitendra Sharma from Kanpur under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, and others.
Special commendation certificates were also presented to the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Union Ltd. for the establishment of the state’s first Prime Minister’s Jan Aushadhi Centre/Generic Medical Store at the state headquarters. The center has recorded a significant achievement, generating ₹15.08 lakh in business and an income of ₹4.58 lakh.
Narendra Singh, Secretary of Sadhan Cooperative Society in Agra, was recognized for his efforts in establishing a successful Jan Seva Kendra (CSC), with a remarkable business volume of ₹1,03,38,686 and earnings of ₹65,770 from April 2023 to September 2024. The Ministry lauded his outstanding contribution to the expansion of services under the CSC scheme.
Innovative Agriculture and Bioenergy Projects Lauded
Under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) initiative, Sanjay Bansal, an agripreneur from Lucknow, was awarded for his innovative work in bioenergy. By using agro-waste, Bansal is producing pellets and bio-bricks, with a project cost of ₹4.50 crores, funded by a ₹2 crore loan from Canara Bank. His efforts were acknowledged for their contribution to sustainable agricultural practices and bioenergy development.
Acknowledging Outstanding Contributions in Nano Fertilizer Distribution
Several cooperatives were also honored for their exceptional distribution of Nano Urea and Nano DAP, with special recognition for those in Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Jhansi.
Concluding Remarks
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Anand Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of PCDCF, who commended the participants and outlined future goals for the cooperative sector. Other dignitaries in attendance included N.P. Pandey, Special Secretary, Cooperation, Uttar Pradesh Government, and Pankaj Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Banking and Cooperation.
The successful launch and recognition ceremony underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector and ensuring prosperity for rural communities through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships.
