Jammu's Cooperative sector to get a boost: High-level meeting charts path for new agricultural and dairy societies in uncovered Gram Panchayats

JAMMU: In a pivotal move aimed at strengthening cooperative societies in Jammu district, a high-level meeting of the Joint Working Committee was convened today at the DC Office Complex. The meeting, chaired by Additional District Development Commissioner, Sher Singh, saw participation from senior officials across departments, with the primary focus on expanding cooperative initiatives in uncovered Gram Panchayats.

The session, organised by Tasbina Sheikh, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies, Jammu, along with representatives from DDM NABARD, centred on the formation of new Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS), Dairy and Fishery Cooperatives. Officials from Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Rural Development Departments were present, with DDM NABARD outlining the district’s role in the National Cooperative Development Plan.

The meeting's agenda revolved around several critical points, including the identification of GPs that currently lack cooperative societies and the steps needed to mobilise their formation. A detailed discussion was held on liquidating defunct and dormant PACS to optimise the use of resources and strengthen existing cooperatives.

Key strategies to mobilise farmers for forming new cooperatives were also explored, aligning with the government’s "Sahakar se Samriddhi" initiative, which aims to bolster rural prosperity through cooperative efforts. The formation of comprehensive business development plans (BDPs) for these new societies was a significant topic, aimed at establishing sustainable models in agriculture and allied sectors.

DDM NABARD provided an in-depth briefing on the National Plan for Cooperative Development, emphasising the key objectives for the district and the support available for cooperative structures. She underscored NABARD’s commitment to achieving these targets within the stipulated timeline. In his address, the ADDC stressed the critical role of cooperatives in driving economic self-sufficiency in rural areas. He called for inter-departmental cooperation to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The meeting concluded with an action plan outlining specific timelines for identifying uncovered areas, establishing new cooperative societies and liquidating non-functional ones. Additionally, the formulation of BDPs for each cooperative will be aligned with the Ministry of Cooperation’s rural development objectives.