North News
Chandigarh, November 20
Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the crucial role of the Cooperation Department in driving the state’s economic growth, affirming full government support to strengthen the cooperative movement under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Speaking at the 71st All India Cooperation Week celebration at Tagore Bhawan, Cheema launched the ‘Phulkari’ web portal, aimed at promoting products crafted by women artisans, and unveiled new products from Verka, along with a coffee table book on the Cooperation Department.
Cheema also discussed the transformation of Sugarfed, which had been burdened with over Rs 400 crore in liabilities in 2022 but is now a thriving institution. The sugarcane cultivation area has increased from 50,429 hectares in 2022-23 to 56,391 hectares in 2024-25. The Bhogpur Cooperative Sugar Mill, which now runs a 14 MW co-generation plant using paddy straw, earned Rs 15.31 crore in 2023-24.
Additionally, he lauded Milkfed as one of India’s top three milk agencies, with a record 31 lakh liters of milk purchased daily in 2023-24. New facilities, such as a 50 MTPD By-Pass Protein Plant and a Fermented Milk Processing Unit, were also inaugurated. New Verka products, including sugar-free items, were also launched.
Minister Cheema praised Markfed for its efforts to promote crop diversification, especially through the price support scheme for moong cultivation, benefiting 4,515 farmers. He also commended cooperative banks for offering low-interest loans to farmers and announced the successful computerization of 50% of these banks.
He further acknowledged other institutions within the Cooperation Department, noting their role in stubble management and crop diversification initiatives. The state has also established 12 new food processing organizations to boost agriculture. Special Chief Secretary V.K. Singh and Cooperation Secretary Anindita Mitra emphasized the significance of the cooperative movement in addressing the challenges facing farmers.
Minister Cheema presented 28 awards to top-performing cooperative societies and other stakeholders, recognizing their contributions to Punjab’s agricultural and cooperative sectors.
