Farmers urged to leverage cooperative strength at NABARD’s outreach event

Jasminder Singh Bindra, District Development Manager, NABARD, organised a promotional event of non-credit cooperatives at Talwandi Choudhrian village, Kapurthala, today in association with Kapurthala Central Cooperative Bank to mark the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC)-2025 and All India Cooperative Literacy Week.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness among farmers to foster rural economic development through cooperatives. The event was part of the ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ programme, a nationwide mission launched by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, with support from NABARD, drawing active participation from local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Addressing the gathering, JS Bindra, DDM, NABARD, underscored the significance of the IYC and ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ initiatives. He highlighted the role and responsibilities of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) members and emphasised the long-term benefits of efficient cooperative management, PACS computerization project. Bindra also elaborated on NABARD’s funding schemes available to PACS.

Earlier, Dr Jagjit Singh, Deputy Registrar, Kapurthala, traced the history of the cooperative movement and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to serving rural communities through competitive services and a strong community-focused ethos, distinguishing it from commercial banks.

Speaking on the occasion, Naresh Kumar Lakhanpal, District Manager, Kapurthala Central Cooperative Bank, shared insights on accessing banking services, bank’s scheme, CBS upgradation, facilities through PACS and concept of cooperatives etc.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from local stakeholders, who urged members to make the most of the resources and schemes discussed during the event.

The distinguished attendees included Inderbir Singh, AR Sultanpur Lodhi; Mahesh Sharma, Officer, KCCB; Sukhjit Singh, BM, KCCB; and Nirmal Singh, Secretary, Talwandi Choudhrian PACS and Harnampur PACS.