SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, July 27: The Sidho Kanho Agriculture and Forest Produce State Co-operative Federation Ltd (SIDHKOFED) today launched a three-day residential training programme at the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Lac Value Addition Research and Training Centre, Namkum, Ranchi for cooperative members to empower the agricultural and cooperative sectors.
SIDHKOFED chief executive officer Sanjiv Kumar while inaugurating the programme said that the aim of the training is to strengthen the functioning of LAMPS/PACS (Large Area Multi-Purpose Societies/Primary Agricultural Credit Societies).
He said that the organization’s mission is the welfare of farmers and communities involved in the collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP). “It offers great possibilities to increase farmers’ income through agriculture and forest products,” he said.
The Chief Minister is the chairman of Sidho-Kanho Agriculture and Forest State Cooperative Society
As a pilot project, two districts, Ranchi and Khunti, have been selected and their societies’ 50 ‘Sahkaar Sathi’ are being given training.
“The society operates on a three-tier system and aims to abolish the contract system in agriculture and forest produce trade. Provide fair wages for products produced by LAMPS/PACS members and organize various activities related to the production, collection, processing, research, and development of agriculture and forest products on a cooperative basis,” said the CEO.
Initially, 500 master trainers will be trained to further educate beneficiaries at the village level.
Secretary of SIDHKOFED Jaiprakash Sharma highlighted the benefits of cooperatives in rural development and empowering local economies. He focused on developing a system for collection, processing, storage, value addition and providing a market for NTFP.
Professor Shashank Bansal of IIT ISM Dhanbad shared his expertise regarding the NTFP market, particularly focusing on Lac. He described how NTFP can positively impact the lives of farmers and NTFP gatherers.
Managing Director of JASCOLAMPF (Jharkhand State Co-operative Lac Marketing & Procurement Federation Ltd.) Devendra Sharma emphasized the importance of training. He said the objective of SIDHKOFED is not only to empower farmers and NTFP gatherers economically but also to empower them socially.
District Cooperative Officer (DCO) of Ranchi AJ Kujur highlighted the urgent need to advance agricultural practices due to the drastic changes in climate.
Neeraj Kumar, the manager of Namkum LAMPS said that the successful management and operations of LAMPS depend on the strong will of the community, which is willing to work together with ardent honesty towards its members.
The training is being imparted by a proficient team of SIDHKOFED PMU (Project Management Unit), ensuring that the participants receive comprehensive and practical guidance throughout the program.
