The Cooperation Minister, Punjab, S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa here today at Head office of the Markfed underlined the importance of the remarkable contribution made by the cooperative movement in the development of Punjab. He said that the institutions of cooperation sector such as Markfed, Milkfed, Cooperative Banks, Agricultural Development Banks and the Cooperative Societies have a turnover of Rs. 3,30,000 crore annually out of which Markfed does Rs. 12000 crore business, Banking Institutions Rs. 36000 crore while Milkfed does Rs. 3500 crore business. The minister further said that significant policy decisions would be taken to strengthen the economic aspect of the cooperative institutions. He also said that in 3500 cooperative institutions across Punjab not only the agricultural goods but also those used in daily life would be provided. Disclosing more, S. Randhawa said that as per the Mission Tandarust Punjab the 3500 cooperative institutions would plant 10 saplings each under Hariyali Mission so as to green cover and ensure a healthy environment. Besides this, the landless labourers in the villages would get loan facilities on easy rates for purchasing e-rickshaws and also the solar energy panels would be installed in every village.
The minister on the occasion also interacted with Director Extension Education Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana Dr. Jaskaran Singh Mahal and Additional Managing Director (D) Markfed Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma during a TV program 'Sohna Punjab' started 3 years ago by Markfed. During the interaction, the minister said that with the active cooperation and the expertise related assistance from the premier universities and other educational institutions of Punjab, a new direction would be given to the cooperative movement as it is one of the biggest propellers of the growth of Punjab. He also said that under the health insurance scheme, treatment to the tune of Rs. 240 crore has been provided to the farmers the previous year. Now, the scheme is in its 9th year and the 2 year premium now stands at Rs. 1497 whereas earlier it was Rs. 1197 annually. On the occasion, the MD Markfed Mr. Rahul Tewari briefed the minister regarding the performance of the Markfed as well as the products manufactured by it. He said that main target is to ensure that the products of Markfed reach each and every household of Punjab.Eminent personality from the literary field Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill on the occasion presented his latest literary creation 'Sandhoordani' to S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MD Markfed Mr. Rahul Tewari, Additional Managing Director (D) Markfed Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, Director Extension Education Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana Dr. Jaskaran Singh Mahal and Executive Director (Marketing) Markfed Mr. Amarjit Singh Sekhon. Among others present included MD Punjab State Cooperative Bank Dr. S.K. Batish, Advisor Markfed 'Sohna Punjab' programme Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill and senior officers.