Boosting Chhattisgarh’s Economy Through Cooperation
In a significant move to enhance the agricultural and dairy sectors in Chhattisgarh, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, announced the signing of two landmark agreements. These agreements aim to uplift the minor forest produce and dairy industries in the state, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ or prosperity through cooperation. This initiative marks a crucial step towards expanding the cooperative sector in Chhattisgarh, promising to improve the livelihoods of many.
Promoting Organic Farming for Healthier Communities
During his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the importance of organic farming as a preventive measure against diseases caused by toxic elements in food. He pointed out that India, with its vast population of 1.4 billion, must prioritize health by promoting organic produce. The Union Minister acknowledged the skepticism among farmers regarding organic farming’s profitability. However, he cited Gujarat as a successful example where farmers have adopted organic practices and seen a significant increase in their incomes.
In Gujarat, farmers cultivate 21 acres of land using a single indigenous cow. They convert cow dung into organic fertilizer through a specialized process, achieving yields 1.25 times higher than conventional methods. This success story serves as a model for Chhattisgarh, where the government aims to encourage similar practices. The Union Minister also addressed the challenge of a lack of certification in the organic market. Many products labeled as organic lack proper certification, leading to a trust deficit among consumers and unfair pricing for farmers. To tackle this issue, the Modi government has established the National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL), which aims to provide reliable certification for organic products. With brands like ‘Bharat’ and ‘Amul’ leading the way, the government hopes to restore consumer confidence and ensure fair prices for genuine organic produce.
Strengthening Forest Produce Cooperatives
One of the key agreements signed today was between the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Cooperative Federation Limited (CGMFPFED) and NCOL. This partnership aims to facilitate the certification of forest produce, ensuring better market prices for tribal farmers. Shri Amit Shah expressed optimism that this initiative will significantly enhance the livelihoods of lakhs of tribal farmers in Chhattisgarh.
The MoU aims to streamline the collection, processing, and marketing of forest produce gathered by tribal communities. Under the brand ‘Bharat Organics,’ organic-certified products from Chhattisgarh, such as wild forest honey, tamarind, and coarse grains, will be promoted in national and international markets. This initiative not only aims to boost the income of tribal families but also empowers self-help groups involved in the collection and processing of forest produce. Furthermore, it encourages sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring ecological balance alongside economic progress.
Transforming the Dairy Sector
The second agreement signed today involves the Chhattisgarh Government, the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Dairy Federation, and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This partnership aims to transform the dairy cooperative sector in Chhattisgarh and significantly boost milk production. Currently, the state has 650 dairy cooperative societies, but the goal is to increase this number to 3,850, with an additional 3,200 multipurpose primary dairy cooperative societies.
The milk collection capacity is expected to rise from 79,000 kilograms to 500,000 kilograms per day, while milk processing capacity will triple to 400,000 liters per day. This ambitious plan aims to enhance the livelihoods of milk-producing farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy infrastructure. The NDDB will provide managerial support for this project without charging any technical service fees, ensuring a collaborative approach to strengthening the dairy sector.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Shri Amit Shah concluded his address by highlighting the transformative potential of these agreements for Chhattisgarh. He expressed confidence that establishing dairy cooperatives in every village will rapidly change the rural landscape. The Union Minister assured that the Ministry of Cooperation will prioritize Chhattisgarh in extending any necessary support for the expansion of cooperatives across the state.
The agreements signed today are not just about economic growth; they represent a commitment to fostering prosperity, peace, and security in Chhattisgarh. By empowering women and marginalized communities through cooperative initiatives, the government aims to create a model cooperative system that benefits all. This approach not only drives economic development but also plays a crucial role in overcoming social challenges, including the impact of Naxalism in the region.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.