Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the State-Level Cooperative Conference in Raipur, emphasising that a stronger cooperative movement is key to increasing farmers’ incomes, empowering rural communities and building a developed Chhattisgarh-Photo Credit -CG/PR
Key Factors
- ₹162 crore incentive released for 7.14 lakh tendupatta collectors.
- 1,352 new cooperative societies formed to expand rural outreach.
- Online Cooperation Department portal launched for transparent farmer registration.
- Over 15 lakh farmers received interest-free loans worth more than ₹8,000 crore this year.
- Cooperatives being strengthened in agriculture, dairy, fisheries, animal husbandry, minor forest produce and rural entrepreneurship.
- Sahakar Prerna Awards presented to top-performing cooperative societies.
- Micro-ATMs distributed to newly formed PACS and new Chhattisgarh Herbals products launched.
- Chief Minister reiterated that the cooperative movement will be a key pillar in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
Raipur: Reaffirming the state’s commitment to cooperative-led rural development, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday July 3, 2026 said that cooperatives have become one of the strongest instruments for increasing farmers’ incomes, empowering rural communities and building a developed Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the State-Level Cooperative Conference organised at the Krishi Mandapam of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University to commemorate five years of the Union Ministry of Cooperation, the Chief Minister said the “double-engine government” is expanding the cooperative movement to benefit farmers, forest dwellers, women self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Cooperation Minister Kedar Kashyap and senior officials during the inaugural session of the State-Level Cooperative Conference organised to mark five years of the Union Ministry of Cooperation in Raipur-Photo Credit CG/PR
In a major announcement, Sai launched the online portal of the Cooperation Department, enabling transparent and time-bound online registration of farmers. He also commenced the distribution of over ₹162 crore in incentive remuneration to 7.14 lakh tendupatta collectors for the 2023 collection year.
Calling himself “a farmer’s son,” the Chief Minister said his lifelong association with cooperatives has strengthened his belief in their transformative potential. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for institutionalising the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” through the creation of the Union Ministry of Cooperation.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Cooperation Minister Kedar Kashyap and other dignitaries release a publication highlighting achievements and initiatives of the cooperative sector during the State-Level Cooperative Conference-Photo Credit -CG/PR
Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods, Sai said cooperatives are now expanding beyond agriculture into dairy, fisheries, animal husbandry, minor forest produce and rural enterprises. He noted that with support from the National Dairy Development Board, the state is witnessing significant progress in the dairy sector.
The Chief Minister also underlined the success of the cooperative credit system, stating that over 15 lakh farmers have received interest-free loans exceeding ₹8,000 crore this year through cooperative institutions and the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
Drawing a comparison with the state’s campaign against Left Wing Extremism, Shri Sai said determined leadership and collective efforts can similarly transform the rural economy through the cooperative movement.
Cooperation Minister Kedar Kashyap said the completion of five years of the Union Ministry of Cooperation marks a significant milestone. He announced that 1,352 new cooperative societies have been established across the state, ensuring that every gram panchayat is connected to the cooperative network.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presents the Sahakar Prerna Award to representatives of an outstanding women-led cooperative society, recognising their contribution to strengthening the cooperative movement and rural livelihoods-Photo Credit -CG/PR
During the programme, the Chief Minister presented the Sahakar Prerna Awards to outstanding cooperative societies, distributed micro-ATMs to newly formed PACS, launched five new Chhattisgarh Herbals products, released the Van Dhan Committees handbook, distributed dividends to women self-help groups, honoured outstanding tendu leaf collectors, and handed over KCC loans and other assistance to beneficiaries.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inspects products displayed by cooperative societies, women self-help groups and Van Dhan Samitis at the exhibition, appreciating innovations in value-added herbal products and rural enterprises-Photo Credit -CG/PR
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also visited exhibition stalls showcasing innovations by cooperative societies, women self-help groups and Van Dhan Samitis from across the state.
