Union Minister, Amit Shah launched several initiatives to strengthen the cooperative sector in Tripura. Development projects worth over Rs 668 crore were also unveiled in Dhalai, including measures to support the Bru Reang community, enhance infrastructure, and boost security.
Shah highlighted India's impressive economic growth, pointing out that the country has risen from the 11th to the 5th position globally and aims to reach 3rd place by 2027. He emphasized that true progress goes beyond mere rankings, focusing instead on ensuring prosperity, education, healthcare, and happiness for all 1.4 billion Indians. He stated that strong cooperative mechanisms are crucial for achieving these objectives.
The event was attended by Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and other dignitaries. Shah underlined that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the cooperative movement is being revitalized to uplift farmers and marginalized communities, adhering to the vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation). With over eight lakh cooperatives involving more than 350 million members, Shah highlighted the sector’s immense potential. He commended iconic organizations like Amul, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and NAFED for their significant contributions across various domains, including banking, agricultural financing, and fertilizer distribution.
As part of the initiatives, Shah launched Mobile Rural Marts in five districts under NABARD, aimed at providing affordable essentials such as rice, pulses, and wheat flour. Additionally, he inaugurated cooperative petrol pumps and consumer stores in Dhalai district and distributed micro ATMs to 50 primary cooperative societies of the Tripura State Cooperative Bank.
Other notable initiatives included the establishment of a Smart Training Center by the Tripura State Cooperative Union, the distribution of mini seed kits to 500 farmers, and a strategic MoU between the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency.
Tripura, known for producing over 70% organic products, faces challenges due to a lack of certification for its produce. Shah urged farmers to collaborate with NCOL to certify their land and products, which he assured would fetch 30% higher prices within three years. Organic farming, he emphasized, enriches soil, promotes environmental sustainability, and ensures better health outcomes. The central government has also introduced three national-level multipurpose cooperative societies to boost seed quality, market organic products, and link farmers with global markets.
Shah praised Tripura for its substantial progress, having implemented 41 of the 57 cooperative initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Cooperation. He highlighted the construction of 2,000-metric-ton capacity warehouses under Prime Minister Modi’s food storage scheme, ensuring no tehsil in the state lacks storage facilities.
