Patna: Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for the Cooperative Department, inaugurated the Cooperative Pavilion at the renowned Sonepur Mela today. Spanning an impressive 4,000 square feet, the pavilion showcases the work of 12 cooperative societies through dedicated stalls, featuring a diverse range of products for exhibition and sale. Special focus has been given to women’s committees and Khadi/Weavers Committees, highlighting their unique offerings.
Among the standout stalls at the Cooperative Pavilion, the K-G-N Primary Dhurd Cooperative Society Ltd. showcased woolen clothes, shawls, sweaters, mufflers, and cushions, while the Rupganj Mahila Khadi Sahayog Samiti displayed a range of Khadi products, including gamchhas, lungis, bedsheets, kurtas, and pajamas. The Pragati Swavalambi Cooperative Society Ltd. offered unique food items like milkless kheer, curdless kadhi, along with various spices and flours. The Siddhi Jeevika Mahila Swavalambi Sahakari Samiti Ltd. presented Bihar’s iconic litti-chokha and spicy chana, attracting significant attention.
Meanwhile, the Katpur Gramodyog Sahakari Samiti Ltd. featured handmade ladies’ purses, file bags, and trolley bags, while the Shri Mithila Makhana Kisan Utpadak Sangathan Swavalambi Sahakari Samiti Ltd. highlighted makhana and makhana-based products. Jewellery made from oysters, including bangles and bracelets, was a unique addition from the Mehsi Seep Udyog Sahakari Samiti Ltd., and the Mirzanagar Gramodaya Sahayog Samiti Ltd. from Vaishali offered honey at affordable rates, adding to the variety and appeal of the pavilion.
Additionally, stalls by the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Federation (Vegfed) and Bihar State Cooperative Bank Ltd. have been set up to promote cooperative initiatives. Vegfed is providing farmers with training, seeds, and plants for vegetable production, while the Cooperative Bank is encouraging visitors to explore its schemes and open accounts.
A street play organized by the Cooperative Department captivated the audience, highlighting the benefits and importance of cooperatives. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of the Cooperative Department emphasized the pavilion’s aim to educate visitors about the objectives of cooperatives and encourage greater participation.
Minister Prem Kumar underscored the government’s commitment to empowering communities through cooperative initiatives. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand the reach of cooperatives, fostering new societies and nurturing existing ones. He expressed optimism about Bihar’s potential to become a leading state in the cooperative sector.
Sonepur MLA Dr. Ramanand Prasad, Cooperative Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Additional Registrar Prabhat Kumar, Joint Registrar Kameshwar Thakur, and several officials attended the event, making it a notable occasion at this year’s Sonepur Mela.
