Our Correspondent
Pfütsero | July 9
Minister for agriculture & cooperation G Kaito Aye today inaugurated the office of Sub-Registrar of Cooperative Societies (SRCS) at Pfutsero under Phek district.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister called for timely repayment of loan so as to get maximum benefits from the various packages and schemes being extended by the government.
Aye called upon the cooperative societies to have a clear approach and vision and together make a vibrant Nagaland.
He lamented that non repayment of loan by many cooperative societies has hampered the department’s ambitious plan to uplift and enhance the economic activities of the state.
The minister also said that many cooperative societies are almost defunct due to wrong activities and direction in the past.
He called upon the cooperative societies to be serious and expand its activities for self-reliance and also to contribute towards holistic economic growth of the state.
Further, the minister urged upon the officers of the department to be in their posting places and attend to the needs and requirements of the farmers.
The minister said that the main aim for establishing SRCS office at Pfutsero is for the benefit of the farmers, to have easy access to the department and facilities being provided and also to empower the farmers, uplift their economy and promote Agri & Allied sector in the area.
He maintained that Pfutsero Sub-division is well known for Agri & Allied activities with its rich produce, adding that establishment of SRCS office will not only help farmers already engaged in Agro Business to enhance their production and avail market linkages but also encourage younger generations to be self reliant by engaging in farming/cultivation taking advantage of the rich natural resources of the area.
He said that with the rising issue of unemployment in the state, a better alternative and opportunity for the unemployed youth to venture into Agri based business – avail support and assistance from the Department/Government through SRCS has been emphasized by the government.
GoI under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to empower marginal farmers and uplift the Agri & allied sector with the vision to double the farmers’ income by the year 2022.
Aye also said the state government and the cooperation department will see that every genuine and dedicated farmer is benefited to attain a sound economy.
L Akato Sema, commissioner & secretary for cooperation department said there are about 8000 cooperative societies in the state.
The department has been facing tough time due to non repayment of loan by many cooperative societies, Sema added and urged the cooperative societies to repay the loan, adding that the department, NABARD and other financial institutions are ready to help the farmers provided repayment of loan is ensured.
Wepe Ritse, registrar of cooperative societies Nagaland said that there are more than 250 registered cooperative societies under Pfutsero sub-division, out of which many cooperative societies are well established and doing good business.
Their products are exported even outside the state of Nagaland, he said adding that cooperative movement in Phek district is further strengthened by the active participation and good leadership of the Phek District Cooperative Union.
“As such, the desire to establish a sub- divisional office in Pfutsero was long felt but due to various reasons and lack of political will, nothing materialized for a long time. However, this time, with dynamic and pro-active leadership of G Kaito Aye, Minister of Agriculture & Cooperation and Neiba Kronu, Minister of Planning & Coordination & Land Revenue, we are fulfilling our long cherished dream,” he said.
With the establishment of a new office at Pfutsero, many development programs, especially for the farmers will be initiated.
Ritse encouraged the citizens of Pfutsero sub-division and the cooperative societies in particular to take advantage of the government facilities and to take credit facilities from the financial institutions.
Urging everyone to extend maximum support to the SRCS office in Pfutsero, he said, “This is going to act like the channeling agency for the farmers of the area with the other agri and allied departments.”
He also stressed on the need to initiate recovery of outstanding government loans.
Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Mikha Kenye thanked the state government for understanding the need of the people by establishing a Sub-Registrar Co-operative societies office at Pfutsero.
He said that Pfutsero is an agro- based society with majority of its population are farmers and popularly known in the state as one of the with abundance varieties of organic plants, vegetables, fruits, crops, etc.
And establishing the office at Pfutsero would benefit the farmers and business community in the form of boosting the economy in a great way, he said.
Kenye however regretted that many people are not aware of the importance or the functions and objectives of cooperation department, but with the establishment of office, farmers will become aware of the various schemes available for them.
Kenye also assured that the CPO will extend its full support to the department and work together for the common good.
The function was chaired by Pfutsero additional deputy commissioner Zeneikhonuo Vimero while vote of thanks was proposed by Kekhwengulo Lea, president Phek District Cooperative Union and vice chairman Nagaland State Cooperative Bank Ltd.
