Proper management needed in co-op sector: NABARD Chairman

Kolhapur, Apr 30 (UNI) Proper management in the co-operative sector and better prices for agricultural products is the need of the hour, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Chairman Dr Yashwantrao Thorat said.

Dr Thorat was speaking at a function after he was felicitated by Maharasthtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, which was organised here last night to also honour his appointment as NABARD chairman.

Co-operative Minister for state Patangrao Kadam presided over the function.

Dr Thorat emphasised the need for political goodwill and positive steps for healthy growth of Co-operative sector.

It is also necessary to provide better prices to the farmers produce by maintaining four per cent agriculture development rate to enable a rise in the nation's GDP rate above eight per cent, he said.

Urban population is continuously increasing as people from villages are flocking to cities in search of jobs because basic amenities like employment, education, health, roads are lacking in the rural India. Hence political leaders and government administration need to focus on these issues to find out proper solution, Mr Patil said.

Mr Kadam said a proposal to provide loans with six per cent interest to the state farmers is pending before cabinet.

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