Cooperative sector key to achieving ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp 2047’, says Union MoS Krishan Pal Gurjar

Union Minister Reviews Cooperative Schemes in Himachal Pradesh

In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar met with state leaders on Sunday to check the progress of key central schemes in the cooperative sector. He highlighted how cooperatives will drive Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047.

The meeting took place at the Cooperation Department, with Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri – who oversees the cooperation portfolio – joining senior officials from both the central and state governments.

After the discussions, Gurjar spoke to the media about boosting cooperatives to support farmers. "Farmers feed the nation, and for them to thrive and become self-reliant, we must expand cooperatives," he said. He praised Himachal’s efforts in this area, calling the state famous for its apples, hardworking farmers, and cool climate.

Gurjar commended Agnihotri’s leadership. "Under Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Himachal has made impressive strides in cooperatives. With teamwork between the Centre and state, we can bring real prosperity to local farmers through these initiatives."

He announced plans to roll out three new central institutions – NCEL, NCUL, and PPSSL – along with the Sahkar Taxi scheme in Himachal. The state will also get courses from the newly set up Cooperative University. "Himachal has already proposed this, and we’re tackling issues like course fees to build skilled workers for cooperatives. Training centers here will create a strong, trained workforce," Gurjar explained.

Addressing the state’s concerns, Gurjar promised full support from the Centre. "On behalf of the Government of India and Union Minister Amit Shah, I assure you we’ll solve all these problems soon. Both governments share the goal of prosperous, self-reliant farmers, and cooperatives are the key. We’ll face no roadblocks in this partnership."

Gurjar also backed Himachal’s push to expand storage facilities beyond food grains to include fruits and horticultural produce. Known as India’s fruit bowl – especially for apples – the state relies heavily on horticulture. "Storage schemes must cover fruits in places like Himachal. We’ve noted this demand, and we’ll act on it," he said.

Despite challenges, Gurjar stayed optimistic. "Solutions are coming, and both governments will team up to make Himachal’s cooperative sector even stronger." This push aims to empower farmers and align with national goals for rural growth.

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