Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Improved Post Harvest Handling and Processing of Agriculture Produce should be given Priority-Radha Mohan Singh
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that While increased productivity is an essential component of a vibrant Agricultural sector, improved post harvest handling and processing is essential to ensure value addition, reduction in wastage and transporting good quality products to markets. He was addressing the meeting of General Council of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) here today. Shri Radha Mohan Singh that agricultural cooperatives have a very important role to play in furthering the development of cooperatives in the larger interest of the farmers and rural populace.

Full text of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare speech:

It gives me great pleasure in welcoming you to the 78th meeting of the General Council of National Cooperative Development Corporation. All of us are well aware of the mandate of this Corporation and its role and functions in promoting cooperative development in our country, through financial assistance schemes covering farm and non-farm sectors, industrial and service cooperatives. NCDC has completed over five decades of service to the cooperatives and as a vibrant organization, continues to strive for sustained promotion and development of the cooperatives.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate NCDC and its team of dedicated officers for their excellent performance in the fiscal year 2014-15. While financial sanctions of the order of Rs.7160 crore were made, the disbursements stood at Rs.5736 crore, exceeding the target of Rs.4800 crore. NCDC has posted a profit of Rs.169.30 crore. Net NPA of the Corporation was maintained at ‘Zero’ and recovery rate was 99.89%. I am sure that NCDC will achieve ever greater heights and higher standards in the years to come.

For recognisation of meritorious work NCDC has instituted awards. The 7th NCDC Biennial Award for Cooperative excellence 2014 was held on 29.04.2015. Shri Mohanbhai Kalyanjibhai Kundaiya, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare presented the awards. Three National Level Awards were given to one Cooperative each from cooperatively least developed, underdeveloped and developed States and 28 State Level Awards to one Primary Cooperative Society of each State/U.T.

We are particularly giving special attention to development of cooperatives in the North Eastern States. Towards this end NCDC organized a Cooperative Summit on 21st August, 2015 at Shillong for cooperatives in the States of North Eastern region. The Summit was chaired by Dr. Mukul M. Sangma Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs graced the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and Shri Mohanbhai Kalyanjibhai Kundariya, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare was the Chief Guest. Ministers of Cooperation of Meghalyay, Mizoram, Nagaland &Tripura were guests of Honour. Other Participants included Secretaries in charge of cooperation, Registrars of Cooperatives Societies, CEO’s of Cooperative Banks & Societies in NER. Four members of Board of Management of NCDC also graced the Summit. The Summit was addressed by the Ministers who appreciated the efforts of NCDC for organizing such an event. States of NER made presentations & flagged issues which were deliberated upon.

The main agenda of today’s meeting are perusal and consideration of Annual Report and Annual Accounts of NCDC for the year 2014-15. The Annual Report and Audited Annual Accounts are required to be placed on the Table of both Houses of Parliament in the Winter Session.

Most of the suggestions made by this august body at different points of time have been suitably addressed. However, development is a continuous process and efforts are on to make NCDC’s assistance more attractive and affordable.

I seek your wholehearted support in our endeavour to accelerate the growth of cooperative movement, as always. 

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