The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Lobbies against cooperative sector, says Sudhakaran

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 15, 2007
ePaper

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Lobbies against cooperative sector, says Sudhakaran

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Many lobbies are working overtime for the destruction of the State’s cooperative sector, Minister for Cooperation G. Sudhakaran said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the marketing of organic pokkali rice, at a function held here this evening. The marketing endeavour is a joint initiative of the District Cooperative Bank, Mitra Agricultural Producer Company, Ezhikkara Pokkali Agricultural Cooperative Sangam and Palliakkal Service Cooperative Bank.

Mr. Sudhakaran said that with the cooperative movement gaining strength in education, agriculture and marketing, those against the sector are running scared. They have agents even in the State Secretariat, he added. “They are trying to gang up against the sector with the help of new-generation banks, some other banks, and officials who are opposed to the progress of the sector,” the Minister said.

He also noted that the Centre’s proposal to impose tax will adversely affect the sector.

Mr. Sudhakaran added that this year, 2,000 Onam fairs will be opened from July 20 onwards.

“Paddy farmers who are in dire straits will be given loans at 4 per cent interest rate. The local panchayats will have to ensure that the loan is used only for paddy cultivation,” he said.

He also said that the Government has taken steps to procure paddy at an all-time high rate of Rs. 850 per quintal.

Among those who spoke were M.M. Monayi, MLA, and Babu Paul, MLA.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala