Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday addressed a massive gathering of over 10,000 farmers at a grand Cooperative Conference in Anand, Gujarat. The event celebrated a trio of significant milestones — the fourth anniversary of the Ministry of Cooperation, the 60th anniversary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the 150th birth anniversary year of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
In his address, Amit Shah called the event “historic,” noting that such a large-scale congregation of cooperative workers and farmers underscores the growing strength of India’s cooperative movement. “Today, over ten thousand farmers, both men and women, have gathered here, and many significant events are taking place simultaneously. This is not just a conference; it's a celebration of India's grassroots strength,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Ministry of Cooperation, which was formed in 2021 under his leadership, Shah emphasized the government's focus on empowering rural communities through cooperative institutions. “In just four years, the ministry has laid the foundation for a nationwide cooperative framework that is transparent, tech-driven, and farmer-centric,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Sardar Patel, widely known as the architect of modern India's cooperative and administrative structure. “This land of Anand, which gave India the White Revolution through Amul, is the perfect place to remember Sardar Patel's legacy. His vision continues to guide India’s rural development,” Shah added.
The Union Minister lauded the NDDB for its six decades of service to Indian farmers and the dairy sector. “The NDDB’s role in transforming India from a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer is unparalleled. It has empowered millions of farmers, especially women, through cooperative dairy models,” he stated.
Amit Shah also interacted with dairy and agricultural cooperative leaders and showcased new initiatives to digitally strengthen cooperative societies across the country. The conference featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and cultural programs celebrating cooperative achievements and rural innovation.
