Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Jul: State Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ganesh Joshi attended the valedictory session of the MPACS Leadership Training Programme organised by Sahakar Bharati Uttarakhand on the occasion of the International Day of Cooperatives at Kisan Bhawan on Ring Road today. Addressing the office-bearers of Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (MPACS) undergoing training, he called for strengthening the cooperative movement in the state.
The Agriculture Minister said that cooperation is not merely an economic system but a powerful medium for service, self-reliance, and rural development. He emphasised that MPACS form the backbone of the rural economy and play a vital role in connecting farmers with various government schemes while contributing significantly to enhancing their income.
Joshi stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the cooperative sector has received renewed direction and momentum. He added that the Uttarakhand Government is continuously promoting natural farming, millets (Shree Anna), horticulture, and agriculture-based entrepreneurship to make farmers self-reliant.
Highlighting the state’s efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector, the Minister said that the government is giving special priority to the Millet Mission (Shree Anna) as part of its strategy to increase farmers’ income. Through the Departments of Cooperation and Agriculture, finger millet (mandua) is being procured by linking farmers with women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Women engaged in the aggregation and collection of mandua are also being provided incentive support. These initiatives are ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce while creating additional income opportunities for women’s groups.
The Minister urged MPACS office-bearers to work with transparency, dedication, and accountability to ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach every eligible farmer.
Minister of State Bhuvan Vikram Dabral, Sahakar Bharati Uttarakhand State President Vinod Gaur, State Organisation Secretary Rajesh Verma, State Joint Organisation Secretary Maniram, Sudhir Joshi, Dr Rakesh Dangwal, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
