Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar emphasised the role of the cooperative movement in rural development and the part it played in his life.
He was speaking at a meeting on ‘Cooperative Credit and Banking Development’ held at the Hotel Park in Hyderabad on Monday.
“I started my political career as a student leader. Coming from a farming background, I chose to become a co-operator to serve farmers. From being the president of a Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society in my hometown, I became the President of the District Cooperative Marketing Society. Eventually, I was elected as the President of the State Cooperative Marketing Federation of United Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
“Cooperatives have been a crucial part of my life after student politics, particularly those dealing with farmers. I have attended several international conferences, including ICIC meetings worldwide. I’m glad to be part of this international conference hosted by my brother, Ravinder Rao, here in Hyderabad,” Ponnam added.
Highlighting the past efforts of leaders, he said, “In 2005, Ravinder Rao and I joined hands to strengthen cooperatives. During the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy, a united committee was formed, which played a vital role in reviving the cooperative movement across the nation.”
He pointed out that the cooperative movement, sustained by government decisions, helped all farmers across India.
“In 2004, the Congress government waived the loans of millions of farmers, and under the leadership of Revanth Reddy in Telangana, we provided a two-lakh loan waiver to farmers,” Ponnam stated.
He added that the Congress commitment to initiatives like farm loan waivers stemmed from its determination to protect farmers.
“Cooperatives in Telangana are involved in the procurement of crops. This system provides financial support to cooperatives in our villages. Inputs like fertilizers and seeds are also provided through cooperatives, and we hope that every farmer becomes a cooperative member to access financial assistance from either the government or cooperative banks,” he concluded.
Karnataka’s Cooperative Minister Rajanna, NAFCUB Chairman Konduri Ravinder, and NAFCUB Managing Director Bhima Subramanyam were also present at the meeting.
