Chief Minister Dhami Outlines Vision for Strengthening Cooperative Schemes and Agriculture

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized enhancing cooperative schemes through innovative strategies and collaboration with the Planning Department. He highlighted increased loan limits for self-help groups, agricultural production in rural areas, and expanding cooperative initiatives. Cooperation Minister Rawat detailed financial allocations for farmers' welfare.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for strengthened implementation of long-running schemes and the incorporation of innovative strategies to boost their effectiveness. At a review of the Cooperative Department, Dhami stressed the need for collaboration with the Planning Department to better assess beneficiary impacts and explore special innovations.

Dhami proposed increasing loan limits for self-help groups across various cooperative schemes, emphasizing the importance of an effective supply chain to give these groups better market access. He urged the Cooperative Department to coordinate with other relevant departments for advancing these initiatives. Dhami also directed efforts towards agricultural development by identifying barren land for cultivation and promoting both modern and traditional farming methods.

"Our goal is to enhance agricultural production in rural areas and promote diverse crops including millets, vegetables, pulses, fruits, medicinal plants, and agricultural tourism," Dhami stated. He also highlighted the importance of promoting millet products and supporting reverse migration by creating local livelihood opportunities.

To further boost cooperative initiatives, Dhami instructed officials to expand the number of selected clusters in various districts and set higher targets for fisheries, beekeeping, and mushroom production through the State Integrated Cooperative Development Project. He encouraged utilizing new science and technology in these projects.

Cooperation Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat revealed that Rs 85 crore has been allocated for interest reimbursement under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmers Welfare Scheme for the financial year 2024-25. The state plans to distribute Rs 1300 crore in interest-free loans to approximately 1,90,000 cooperative members this fiscal year.

Rawat noted that Rs 5621.25 crore has been distributed to 960,510 beneficiaries and 5339 self-help groups, with over 50,000 farmers benefiting from the State Integrated Cooperative Development Project, which also promotes organic farming.