Yogesh K Porwar
“Setting up a Milk Producers’ Cooperative Bank will improve farmers’ financial condition”
Haveri:The cooperative sector greatly contributes to strengthening democracy.Like in Maharashtra and Gujarat,the cooperative sector should be in a position to influence the government.
If a Milk Producers’Cooperative Bank is set up on the lines of KMF,the financial condition of farmers can improve, said former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the new administrative office building of the Karnataka Milk Federation’s Milk Producers’Mahamandala,Bengaluru, and Haveri District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Association, jointly organised in Haveri today.
“There has always been a clash between two systems in the world.Some countries are communist, others are federal.
Globally, governance is influenced by these two ideologies.As an alternative to capitalism and communism,the cooperative system works for the people, by the people.
Two fundamental principles are essential for the success of a cooperative society— one,milk producers, ordinary weavers,and others can build a cooperative movement through self-respect,forming societies without huge capital; two,cooperatives play a significant role in strengthening democracy.
The cooperative movement in Maharashtra and Gujarat is very powerful — there, cooperatives influence the government, whereas here, the government influences cooperatives.
We should put the entire state’s economy in the hands of farmers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah,who now heads the newly formed Ministry of Cooperation, has been in politics for many years but is also the president of his hometown cooperative society — this shows the importance of the sector.
In the cooperative sector, the milk production industry has been successful.Through a system,economic activities,trade,and business can be run successfully using modern technology,” he said.
Private Competition
“There is a lot of competition from private players for the milk unions. If our farmers unite and decide that the Haveri union belongs to them, it will grow strong and benefit farmers’ economic condition.
Mere farming is not enough; integrated farming, including allied activities, will make it easier for farmers to improve their finances. The government has understood this and is implementing it successfully.
When I was Home Minister and later CM, we tried to establish a Milk Producers’ Cooperative Bank, but the RBI did not grant permission.
However, if a resolution is passed within the cooperative sector, a state-level Milk Producers’ Cooperative Bank can be created.
Within five to ten years, we can develop this sector with our own funds and bring changes to the lives of lakhs of milk producers,” he said.
Congratulations to the Board of Directors:
“I congratulate the board of directors of Dharwad and Haveri for separating from the Dharwad Milk Union and forming an independent milk union.
Along with milk production, if other value-added products are made, we can create a model milk union.
At present, 1.2 to 1.5 lakh litres of milk are being produced. If farmers set their minds to it, we can reach 3 lakh litres.I had sanctioned ₹70 crore for the mega dairy, and work should begin soon.
We have decided to invite the CM to inaugurate the medical college in Haveri,and on the same occasion, we will try to inaugurate the mega dairy.
The current board has the intention to uplift the union and benefit farmers. We are with you. Let me tell you, farmers do not belong to any party — all political parties belong to farmers.The previous board also worked hard, and I extend my special appreciation to them.
The road ahead is challenging — let’s work together.Let us make Haveri produce twice as much milk as the Dharwad union.
KMF has now come to our aid and has started a packaging unit. Ministers should ensure that the ₹5 crore from the state government is released soon.
The administrative office has been inaugurated with good facilities.But how you govern from here is what matters — every decision should benefit the poor farmer. Milk producers should work with honesty.
No matter how sincere a seller is, people still ask, ‘Have you added water to the milk?’ Some even add water themselves before drinking.
The day the mega dairy is inaugurated in Haveri will be a day of great happiness.Farmers’faces should be filled with smiles.
They should wear silk shirts and silk dhotis, and quality slippers. Farmers should be happy — only then can we say the country has progressed,” he said.
On this occasion,District In-charge Minister Shivanand Patil, HESCOM Chairman Syed Ajjampir Khadri, MLAs Basavaraj Shivannanavar,Srinivas Mane,Prakash Koliwad, former MLAs S. R.Patil and Veerupakshappa Ballari, Haveri District Cooperative Milk Union President Manjanagouda Patil, Vice-President Ujjanagouda Mavinathop, and all members of the board were present.
