NCDC disburses Rs 2,300 cr to cooperatives during 2005-06

New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has achieved the highest level of disbursement of Rs 2,300 crore for various cooperative programmes during 2005-06, registering a 117 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.

During the same year, the Corporation also approved and sanctioned projects to the tune of Rs 3,170 crore, an increase of 100 per cent over the previous fiscal.

Presiding over the 63rd meeting of NCDC's General Council today, President of the Council and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said that the Corporation has to consolidate its work by capitalising on new areas and opportunities.

''The government is taking all possible steps to revitalise the cooperative credit system through a Rs 13,000 crore package, making it vibrant once again,'' Mr Yadav added.

Referring to NCDC's proposed outlay of Rs 18,640 crore during 11th Five Year Plan, Mr Yadav said thrust of the Corporation would continue to be on consolidation of existing infrastructure and units established especially for value addition and processing of farmers produce, strengthening of forward and backward lingkaes for efficient procurement and marketing, rehabilitation of sick units among others.

Underlining that agriculture is the cornerstone of livelihood of two-third population, Mr Pawar stressed that agriculture policy should form the basis of the action plan.

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