Comments for MARKFED

For The Tribune | June 23, 1986

I extend my good wishes to MARKFED on the occasion of its Annual General Meeting. Cooperatives in Punjab have played an Important role in development of agriculture and MARKFED has always been in the lead. By assuring timely availability of fertilizers and inputs it has made it possible for the farmers of Punjab to increase their productivity. By procuring foodgrains at support prices and undertaking market intervention in cotton, potatoes and oilseeds, MARKFED has assured price stability in these commodities.

It is now necessary for us to consolidate gains of Green Revolution and this can only be done if the Cooperatives provide better services to the farmers. I am glad to know that MARKFED is endeavouring to serve the farming community better as reflected by the phenomenal increase in its purchase of wheat, paddy, cotton and other agricultural produce as well as supply of inputs. MARKFED has also set up a number of processing industries to help produce more value-added items. More such units need to be set up if we are to reduce our dependency on selling of primary produce alone and diversify our agricultural. But all this would need a professional management set up and more efficient running of our cooperative undertakings. I am glad to know that MARKFED has taken a number of steps in that direction as reflected by its performance. I wish MARKFED all success in this endeavour.

M. S. GILL, IAS

Financial Commissioner Development, Punjab