Patna: The Bihar government will form cooperative societies for makhana and sugarcane farming in the state to strengthen the economic condition of farmers. Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar gave the directive during a review meeting held on Friday, reports Live Hindustan.
Chairing the meeting at the department office, the minister assessed the progress and potential of makhana and sugarcane production, processing, and marketing. Joint Registrars from Darbhanga, Purnia, Kosi, and Tirhut divisions presented updates from their respective regions.
The Joint Registrar of Darbhanga division reported that makhana is cultivated abundantly in 10 blocks each of Madhubani and Darbhanga districts. So far, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been formed in 12 blocks for makhana. The minister directed officials to expedite the formation of cooperative societies in the remaining blocks.
During the review of sugarcane cooperative societies, it was found that many, including those in Gopalganj district, are currently inactive. The minister instructed officials to submit election proposals for these societies to the relevant authorities. An evaluation of the assets of these societies will also be conducted to aid their commercial development.
The minister emphasized that efforts are underway to build necessary infrastructure to strengthen cooperative societies and ensure that farmers benefit from these schemes.
Additional Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, Additional Registrar Prabhat Kumar, Joint Registrars Subhash Kumar, Bharat Kumar, Nisar Ahmed, Sanjay Kumar, and Deputy Registrar Amar Jha were among others that attended the meeting.
