The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society at Koothanoor in Nannilam taluk has marketed 220 tonnes of fertilisers to farmers in the recent past, said R. Kamaraj, Food Minister.
Speaking at a function to distribute loans sanctioned by the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, Koothanoor near here on Thursday, the Minister said the society was one of the oldest in the district and accounted for 6,000 members. The society had been playing a key role in the promotion of agricultural activities in Koothanoor and many other surrounding villages. The Minister handed over Rs. 3.08 lakh as loans to 14 members of the Dr. MGR women SHG.
S. Natarajan, Collector, presided over the function. K. C. Ravichandran, joint registrar of cooperative societies, spoke.
At another function, he gave away Rs. 7.39 lakh as loans sanctioned by the primary agricultural cooperative society, Pandaravadai – Peralam to 25 beneficiaries for taking up economic activities.
The Minister said the cooperative bodies had been catering to the credit needs of local residents in the service area. Elected representatives played a crucial role in ascertaining the credit needs of the local people and their repaying capabilities.
On the achievements of this society, he appreciated the efforts taken by it in promoting drip irrigation for which about Rs. 6.31 lakhs had been sanctioned so far. It has advanced short-term farm loans of Rs. 1.04 crore.
The agri clinic of the society had conducted sample test for 3,250 soil samples and 1,364 water samples this year so far.
Counselling for fertiliser management had resulted in judicious use of urea and other complex in the region, he added.
