NEW DELHI: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday called for a mass movement to strengthen the cooperative sector in agriculture.
Speaking at the curtain raiser event of India International Cooperatives Trade Fair (IICTF) here, the Minister stressed the need for both Ministries of Commerce and Agriculture to work in close coordination to tap the true potential of the cooperative sector.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, Secretary Sanjay Agarwal and other senior officials of Ministry were present on this occasion.
Mr Goyal underlined the need to make farmers and agriculture-based industries self-reliant. He said in the three consultations held with the Mr Tomar, after the formation of this government, both ministries have committed to establish a framework to double farm exports from Rs 2.75 lakh crore to about Rs 7 lakh crore by 2024-2025.
Mr Goyal also announced that a Cooperative Sector Export Promotion Forum will be established as an exchange platform for the cooperatives in India.
Recalling the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in consolidating the cooperative movement of farmers, he said agriculture is the priority sector for the Government and it is committed to double the income of the farmers by 2022.
He said IICTF is a unique concept and opportunity which will take the mass movement of farm cooperatives to an international level.
On this occasion, the Minister along with Mr Tomar and Mr Choudhary, unveiled the logo and released the brochure of IICTF to be held from October 11-13, 2019 in New Delhi.
The Minister also informed that tribal cooperatives will be provided special concessions in the Trade Fair.
(AGENCIES)
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