NCUI celebrated International Day of Cooperatives on Friday at its headquarters on Khel Gain Road in Delhi by inviting the High Commissioner of Mauritius HE Mr J Goburdhan as the Chief Guest. Revolutionary scientist Mr Subhas Palekar was the main speaker while other dignitaries included Mr. U.N. Khaware, Additional Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Poonam Nara Managing Director, HARFOFED and others.
NCUI was represented by its Vice President Bijender Singh and Chief Executive N Satyanarayan. A large number of NCUI officials had also come to participate in the function despite it being a holiday.
Speaking as a key Note speaker during the International Cooperative Day celebrated by National Cooperative Union of India in Delhi today, Subhash Palekar, Noted Agricultural Scientist and farmer said that cooperatives should come up in the field of zero-based farming so that it can be popularized through its wide network and reach. He said this farming can revolutionise Indian agriculture leading to increased productivity without dependence on chemical fertilizers.
The International Cooperative Day is celebrated on 1st Saturday of July every year. The theme of this year’s International Cooperative Day was “Cooperatives:” The Power to Act for Sustainable Future.
Palekar further drew attention of the audience towards the rising number of farmer suicides in the country. He said despite government promises and financial assistance the suicides of the farmers continue. He called upon cooperatives to establish direct links with the agricultural producer so that they do not dependen on money-lenders.
Mr. Jagdish Goburdhan, Mauritius High Commissioner to India speaking on the occasion extolled the virtues of zero-based farming in Mauritius in increasing agricultural production without any investment. He called upon the representatives of the cooperative sector present on the occasion to adopt this practice in the agricultural operations.
Mr. U.N. Khaware, Additional Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan speaking on the occasion said that the Cooperatives have to look upon the school children and youth so as to strengthen the Movement. He further said that cooperatives can play an important role in poverty attention. Poonam Nara Managing Director, HARFOFED said that in order to create cooperative awareness amongst the masses, Haryana Govt. has launched “Feel Good Campaign for Cooperatives,” which is becoming very popular. Mrs. Savitri Singh, Programme Director, ICA-AP speaking on the occasion talked about the important role of ICA in meeting sustainable development goals.
Mr. N. Satya Narayana , Chief Executive NCUI earlier highlighted the importance and theme of International Cooperative Day, and the sustainable development goals of U.N The function was attended by the school children of Kendriya Vidyalaya, neighbouring farmers of UP and Haryana, and representatives of national level cooperative federations.
