Minister Shirodkar vows push for cooperatives, assures timely payments to milk farmers
PONDA
Cooperation Minister Subhash Shirodkar has said that Goa’s cooperative sector is growing and playing a key role in the state’s economy. He noted that people in the sector are now thinking in new ways, leading to different businesses joining the cooperative space. Efforts are being made to make Goa a leading state for cooperatives in the country.
“In the coming days, I am ready to work eight hours a day to set up a ‘Sahakar Gram’ in every village in Goa,” Shirodkar assured.
He was speaking at the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir in Ponda during a programme organised by the Department of Cooperation to mark the ‘Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India’ on Sunday. Present on the occasion were Goa Bagayatdar Sanstha President Narendra Sawaikar, Adarsh Sahakari Sanstha President Prakash Velip, Cooperative Secretary Yatendra Maralkar, and Satish Marathe.
Shirodkar also said that the government has created effective schemes for the agriculture and cooperative sectors. He assured that milk-producing farmers will receive the support price for milk by the 10th of every month, and pending payments will be cleared by the 30th of this month.
He further stated that a favourable environment has been created for the younger generation to enter the cooperative sector.
He emphasised the need for computerisation and digitisation in the sector. Shirodkar added that the government will update laws as needed, and everyone in the sector should follow them strictly.
Satish Marathe said the cooperative sector should enter the food processing business.
He pointed out that tourism is becoming a strong part of the economy and that cooperatives should look at growth through tourism.
He noted that Kerala has achieved growth in tourism through cooperation and that Goa should consider this approach.
Cooperative Secretary Yatendra Maralkar said the Goa government is paying special attention to the cooperative sector and is working to ensure its prosperity. He urged everyone in the sector to work with the government to achieve this goal.
