The Bihar state cooperative department is set to launch a pilot project for establishing vegetable sales centres on the "Sudha model" to strengthen vegetable marketing and ensure better returns for farmers. This initiative was announced after a departmental review meeting chaired by cooperative minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Wednesday.
Pilot Project Through VEGFED
Minister Yadav directed officials to prepare the pilot project through the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Federation (VEGFED). He stated that the initiative aims to improve vegetable sales within the state, strengthen marketing infrastructure, and ensure better remuneration for vegetable growers.
Infrastructure and Administrative Efficiency
The minister also asked officials to prepare proposals for constructing departmental office complexes at the sub-divisional level to improve administrative efficiency and public convenience. This move is expected to streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
Support for Weavers and Honey Producers
Discussions during the meeting also focused on extending greater support to weavers' cooperative societies and improving market access for honey-producing cooperative societies. Ram Kripal emphasised the need for value addition and expansion of honey-based products to boost income for honey producers.
Revival of Defunct Sugar Mills
The minister instructed officials to expedite the revival process of the defunct sugar mills at Sakri in Madhubani district and Raiyam in Darbhanga district. This revival is expected to benefit sugarcane farmers and create employment opportunities.
Procurement and Digitisation
Ram Kripal stressed the importance of wheat procurement and digitisation. He asked officials to speed up wheat procurement and ensure targets are achieved within the stipulated period. Additionally, he emphasised the early computerisation of all remaining Primary Agricultural Credit Societies under the PACS computerisation scheme.
Functional Tribunal
The minister further directed officials to make the Bihar State Self-Reliant Cooperative Societies Tribunal functional at the earliest, ensuring timely resolution of disputes.
Senior departmental officials, including secretary Dharmendra Singh and VEGFED managing director Dr Gagan, attended the meeting.
