Tripura’s Cooperative Sector: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah today unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the cooperative sector in Tripura. The event was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and other dignitaries.
In his address, Shri Shah highlighted the cooperative movement’s pivotal role in improving the lives of farmers and the underprivileged under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He reiterated the Ministry of Cooperation’s mission of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity Through Cooperation) and lauded India’s economic progress from 11th to 5th position globally, with aspirations to reach 3rd by 2027. He emphasized inclusive growth, ensuring prosperity and well-being for every Indian family through cooperative efforts.
Shri Shah noted that over 8 lakh cooperatives in India serve 350 million members, covering diverse sectors such as banking, agriculture, healthcare, and fertilizer distribution. He praised institutions like Amul, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and NAFED for their contributions to connecting people with the cooperative model.
Key Initiatives Launched in Tripura:
- Mobile Rural Marts: Launched through NABARD to supply essentials like pulses, rice, and wheat flour at affordable rates in five districts.
- Micro ATMs for Cooperatives: Fifty primary cooperative societies of Tripura State Cooperative Bank equipped with micro ATMs.
- Consumer Store and Cooperative Petrol Pumps: Inaugurated in Dhalai district.
- Smart Training Center: Initiated by Tripura State Cooperative Union to enhance cooperative training.
- Distribution of Mini Seed Kits: 500 farmers benefited through NCCF.
- MoU with National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL): Aimed at certifying and marketing Tripura’s organic products.
Shri Shah emphasized that Tripura, a state producing over 70% organic products, lacks certification for its produce. He urged farmers to collaborate with NCOL for certification and assured a 30% increase in product prices within two to three years. He also underscored the environmental and health benefits of organic farming, alongside its role in preserving groundwater and enhancing soil fertility.
The Union Minister outlined plans to boost organic farming and global market access through three national-level multipurpose cooperative societies established by the central government. He highlighted that over 35 cooperative institutions from Tripura have applied for membership in these societies.
Shri Shah commended Tripura’s remarkable progress in implementing 41 out of 57 initiatives launched by the Ministry of Cooperation. He noted that cooperatives in Tripura have transitioned from loss-making entities to profit-making organizations since 2018, thanks to the current state government’s efforts.
Looking ahead, Shri Shah announced plans for 2,000 metric ton capacity warehouses in every tehsil under the world’s largest food storage scheme launched by Prime Minister Modi, ensuring no region in Tripura is left without adequate storage facilities.
He concluded by urging farmers to leverage cooperatives for the prosperity of their families, reinforcing that cooperation remains the cornerstone of India’s development journey.
