31L farmers yet out of cooperative system

Among 55 lakh existing farmers in the State, only 24 lakh have included themselves in cooperatives (Samabaya Samitis) and are availing seed, fertiliser, pesticide and agricultural instruments at subsidised rates.

This was revealed by Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB) Managing Committee President Akshaya Kumar Mohanty during a cooperative awareness campaign on “Cooperative Bank at Your Door” held here on Sunday.

He also said that the farmers in the cooperative fold are also availing agricultural loan to the tune at Rs 50,000 at one-per cent interest.

Local MP Tathagata Satpathy advised the farmers to be a part of the cooperative system and to make the farming process profitable.

He appealed to the farmers to change the mindset of exemption of loan.

Local MLA Saroj Samal said the Naveen Patnaik Government is committed to releasing loan of Rs 12,500 crore along with a Rs 200-crore special package to farmers.

Among others, Hindol MLA Simarani Naik, OSCB Managing Director Tusarkanta Panda and ZP President Meenati Nayak were present.