The Cooperation Minister, Punjab, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa today appealed to the kisan unions of Punjab to come forward to strengthen the cooperative banks which form the backbone of the farming sector instead of trying to save big and rich farmers leading to derail the cooperative movement.In a press communique here today, the minister said that the weakening of the structure of cooperative banks would mean huge losses for the small farmers. He also divulged that the cooperative banks are not taking any hard measures or acting tough against the small farmers instead the banks are trying to effect recoveries from the big and rich farmers. He also said that no action is being taken against the farmers possessing 5 acres of land and also those availing loan upto Rs. 10 lakh but the banks are definitely proceeding as per law in order to ensure recoveries from the rich farmers availing loans from Rs. 10 lakh to crores. The minister further added that from amongst those farmers whose cases are being put forward by the kisan unions the government has given relief to 70 percent of those farmers.The Cooperation Minister also elaborated that the cooperative banks would only be able to help the small farmers in case they themselves would be in a strong condition. He also said that the cooperative banks are there for the assistance of the small farmers. The minister also made it clear that no cheques are being taken as security from the farmers availing crop loans.