HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, July 5: In a significant development for the cooperative sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union (APSCU), Nabam Tahi Nekil, along with his team, called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, YSM, at Raj Bhavan on Saturday to discuss the present challenges, opportunities, and future roadmap for cooperative societies in the state.
According to an official statement, the meeting focused on the evolving landscape of the cooperative movement, the need to empower grassroots institutions, and ways to enhance the reach and effectiveness of cooperative societies across Arunachal Pradesh.
The Governor, while welcoming the delegation, emphasised the need for the cooperative movement to transform into a truly people-centric initiative rooted in collective ownership and mutual benefit.
He noted that such a transformation would not only foster community-driven development but also play a critical role in building self-reliance in rural areas.
Highlighting the importance of market access for Arunachal’s surplus agricultural and horticultural produce, the Governor pointed out the need to establish more warehouses and cold storage facilities across the state.
He particularly stressed the strategic use of Hollongi and Tezu airports as export gateways to expand market opportunities beyond state borders, thereby boosting farmers’ income and reducing post-harvest losses, especially for perishable goods.
Aligning his views with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a robust and inclusive cooperative sector, the Governor urged APSCU to focus on nurturing grassroots cooperatives and promoting self-sufficiency at the village level.
He reiterated that cooperatives must function as vital engines of inclusive socio-economic growth and should be strengthened through collective participation and sustained institutional support.
During the meeting, Nabam Tahi Nekil apprised the Governor of the various issues being faced by cooperative societies, including administrative bottlenecks, lack of infrastructure, and limited outreach. He also presented a report on the recently concluded 27th District Cooperative Union tour, which documented field observations, achievements, and areas requiring urgent policy attention.
The Governor, who listened attentively to the concerns raised by the delegation, assured them of his full support and promised to take up relevant matters with the State Government to facilitate appropriate action.
He noted that a unified and committed approach involving government, cooperatives, and local communities was essential for revitalising the sector.
Among those present at the meeting were Bengia Chuma, Techi Azad, Soai Kri, and Toko Saha, who also contributed to the discussion on ways to strengthen cooperative frameworks at the district and state levels.
The interaction is being seen as a step forward in renewing institutional focus on cooperatives as a cornerstone of rural economic development in Arunachal Pradesh.