Dhami calls for enhanced implementation and innovation in cooperative schemes

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 31 (ANI): During a review of the Cooperative Department at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued directives for strengthening the implementation of long-running schemes and incorporating innovative strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
Emphasising the need for a collaborative approach with the Planning Department, Dhami said, "We must assess the benefits to the beneficiaries and explore special innovations to make these schemes more effective."
Dhami called for proposals to increase the loan limits for self-help groups under various cooperative schemes. "An effective supply chain is crucial so that the products prepared by self-help groups can access better markets," he stated. He urged the Cooperative Department to work in coordination with other relevant departments to advance these schemes.
Highlighting agricultural development, Dhami directed efforts towards identifying barren land for cultivation through clustering and promoting modern and traditional farming methods.
"Our aim is to increase agricultural production in rural areas and promote crops like millets, vegetables, pulses, fruits, medicinal plants, and agricultural tourism," he said.
Dhami also stressed the importance of promoting millet products and supporting reverse migration by creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
To further boost the state's 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 under the State Integrated Cooperative Development Project.
"Utilise new science and technology techniques as much as possible in various projects," he added.
Cooperation Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat shared that under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmers Welfare Scheme, the state government has allocated Rs 85 crore for interest reimbursement in the financial year 2024-25.
"We aim to distribute Rs 1300 crore in interest-free loans to approximately 1,90,000 cooperative members this fiscal year," Rawat said.
He noted that so far, a total of Rs 5621.25 crore has been distributed to 960,510 beneficiaries and 5339 self-help groups, with more than 50,000 farmers directly and indirectly benefiting from the State Integrated Cooperative Development Project, which also promotes organic farming. (ANI)