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Celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives 2025

Vikal Sharma
Palampur
To mark the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Development Federation organized a seminar in Panchrukhi on June 22. The event, themed “Human Resource Development and Capacity Building in Cooperation,” gathered essential stakeholders to discuss the significant impact of cooperative institutions on rural advancement.

Yadavinder Goma, the Minister for AYUSH, Youth Services & Sports, and Law, was the chief guest at the seminar. During his speech, he highlighted the crucial role of cooperative societies in empowering rural economies and encouraged young people to engage in the cooperative movement. He pointed out that these organizations not only promote self-employment but also enhance community cohesion.

The minister referenced the Upper Lahla Agricultural Service Cooperative Society as a prime example, which operates a public medicine center providing affordable generic medications. He emphasized that with more than 70% of India's population involved in agriculture and related fields, the success of farmers is intrinsically tied to the nation's overall development.

Discussing government initiatives, Goma mentioned the Him Ganga scheme, which has led to the establishment of a ₹250 crore dairy processing facility in Dagwar, Kangra. He noted that 50 new dairy cooperative societies have been formed in the Palampur region, many of which are already supplying milk to the processing plant. Additionally, the government has increased the procurement prices for cow and buffalo milk to aid livestock farmers.

Emphasizing the need for cooperative societies in every village, the minister called on officials to take the initiative seriously and to organize more awareness programs. The seminar concluded with a symbolic act as the minister planted a sapling as part of the “Tree Plantation Campaign in the Name of Mother,” promoting environmental responsibility.

The event was attended by senior officials, cooperative leaders, and society members, reinforcing a collective commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.