Vikal Sharma
Palampur
In celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Development Federation hosted a one-day seminar in Panchrukhi on June 22. Themed “Human Resource Development and Capacity Building in Cooperation,” the event brought together key stakeholders to highlight the transformative role of cooperative institutions in rural development.
AYUSH, Youth Services & Sports, and Law Minister Yadavinder Goma attended as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized that cooperative societies are the backbone of rural economic empowerment, urging youth to actively participate in the cooperative movement. He noted that cooperatives not only foster self-employment but also strengthen the social fabric of communities.
The minister cited the Upper Lahla Agricultural Service Cooperative Society as a model example, which runs a public medicine center offering affordable generic medicines. He reiterated that with over 70% of India’s population engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, the prosperity of farmers is directly linked to the nation’s progress.
Highlighting government initiatives, Goma spoke about the Him Ganga scheme, under which a ₹250 crore dairy processing plant has been established in Dagwar, Kangra. He shared that 50 new dairy cooperative societies have been registered in the Palampur area, many of which are already supplying milk to the plant. The government has also raised the procurement price of cow and buffalo milk to support livestock farmers.
Calling for the formation of cooperative societies in every village, the minister urged officials to take the movement seriously and organize more such awareness events. The seminar concluded with a symbolic gesture as the minister planted a sapling under the “Tree Plantation Campaign in the Name of Mother,” promoting environmental stewardship.
The event saw participation from senior officials, cooperative leaders, and society members, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
