JAMMU: Minister for Cooperative, Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today addressed the 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations alongside the observance of International Year of Cooperatives 2025 at Convention Centre here.
Held under the theme “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the event witnessed participation of Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative department, Babila Rakwal; heads of various departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, NABARD, prominent citizens and members of Cooperative Societies.
In his address, Javid Dar highlighted the ongoing transformation within the cooperative sector in J&K. Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the vision of “Sahakar Se Samridhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), he underscored the vital role of cooperatives in supporting rural livelihoods, promoting economic decentralisation and generating employment.
The Minister emphasized the need to revitalize defunct Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to ensure their effective contribution to the rural economy. He also drew attention to the issue of dormant assets belonging to defunct PACS and societies, stressing the need for a strategic roadmap to safeguard, revive and utilize these assets productively in the interest of cooperative growth.
In her welcome address, Commissioner Secretary, Cooperative, Babila Rakwal outlined the department’s mandate to nurture community-led, self-sustaining enterprises and highlighted that J&K currently boasts a robust network of over 4,500 active cooperative institutions, spanning agriculture, housing, and other sectors.
On the occasion, the Minister also unveiled several significant initiatives aimed at modernizing and strengthening the cooperative sector in Jammu & Kashmir. He also released Annual Cooperative Compendium and e-launched Centre for Cooperative Management website and logo, besides two important Memorandums of Understanding between the Centre for Cooperative Management, Jammu and Government Polytechnic for Women, Jammu, UNATI Drone Academy, were also signed and exchanged in presence of the Minister.
During the event, departmental documentary was also screened, showcasing success stories and evolution of cooperatives across Jammu & Kashmir.
J&K Dairy Cooperative Federation and JKMPCL also delivered informative presentations on the occasion, followed by distribution of certificates to newly registered Primary Multi-Livelihood Societies.
Earlier, the Minister inspected exhibition stalls set up by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy units, and Women Self-Help Groups, engaging directly with beneficiaries about their products, innovations, and economic activities.