India's Home Minister Outlines Government Initiatives for Farm Sector Modernisation and Farmer Prosperity

Government's Initiatives for Farmers and Agriculture Sector Praised

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has emphasized the government's efforts to promote the prosperity of farmers and modernize the agriculture sector. In a written message on the occasion of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO)'s 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Shah commended IFFCO for its crucial role in strengthening the country's cooperative movement and contributing to the growth of the fertiliser and farm sectors.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has been taking effective steps to achieve the vision of a developed nation by 2047. The minister highlighted government schemes such as PM-KISAN and the digital agriculture mission. The introduction of innovative products like nano urea and nano DAP has enhanced India's global standing in the fertiliser sector, enabling farmers to boost production and productivity at a lower cost.

The AGM, which was attended by over 850 cooperative leaders, member societies, farmers' representatives, and stakeholders from across India, underscored the growing strength and relevance of the cooperative movement in the country. The event also recognized the contributions of outstanding individuals to the cooperative movement.

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IFFCO's Financial Performance and Employee Welfare

IFFCO has achieved a profit of ₹4,585 crore in the last fiscal year. The cooperative has announced an incentive of ₹490.65 crore for its employees this year. Additionally, a minimum wage of ₹20,000 has been announced for lower-level employees, for which an additional budget of ₹140 crore has been allocated.

Awards and Recognition

The IFFCO Sahakarita Ratna Award for 2024-25, along with an honorarium of ₹11 lakh, was conferred upon Shakeela Akhtar. This award recognizes her outstanding contributions and exemplary commitment to empowering and strengthening the women's agriculture and cooperative movement at the grassroots level, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.

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Bhavna Gondaliya was also recognized with the IFFCO Sahakarita Bandhu Award for 2024-25, along with a cash prize of ₹11 lakh. This award acknowledges her outstanding services to the cooperative movement and her exemplary contribution towards the empowerment of women in agriculture.