Daijiworld Media Network - Ponda
Ponda, Jul 7: Goa's cooperative sector is witnessing promising growth and evolving into a significant contributor to the state’s economy, said Cooperation Minister Subhash Shirodkar during a programme celebrating the Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation at the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir in Ponda.
Highlighting a shift in mindset among those involved in cooperatives, Shirodkar noted that new business models and ideas are entering the sector, broadening its impact. He expressed his commitment to accelerating this growth, declaring his readiness to “work eight hours a day” to establish a ‘Sahakar Gram’ (cooperative village) in every village across the state.
The event was attended by key figures in Goa’s cooperative movement, including Goa Bagayatdar Sanstha President Narendra Sawaikar, Adarsh Sahakari Sanstha President Prakash Velip, Cooperative Secretary Yatendra Maralkar, and cooperative sector veteran Satish Marathe.
Shirodkar also assured that the state government has developed effective schemes targeting the agriculture and cooperative sectors.
Addressing concerns of dairy farmers, he said that support prices for milk would be credited by the 10th of each month, and all pending dues will be cleared by the 30th of this month.
He pointed out that the government is actively encouraging youth participation in the cooperative sector by creating a more welcoming and opportunity-driven environment. He also stressed the importance of computerisation and digitisation, stating that laws governing the sector will be updated where necessary, and strict adherence to those laws will be expected from all stakeholders.
Satish Marathe encouraged cooperatives to explore the food processing sector, stating it has untapped potential. He also suggested that cooperatives look toward tourism as a vehicle for growth, noting Kerala’s success in leveraging cooperation to boost its tourism industry—a model he believes Goa can emulate.
Cooperative Secretary Yatendra Maralkar reinforced the state’s commitment to supporting the cooperative ecosystem and called for unified efforts between the government and cooperative entities to ensure sustained development and prosperity in the sector.