Kathmandu. Surya Thapa, Chairman of the Parliamentary Investigation Special Committee, recently engaged in discussions with directors and workers of Agricultural Cooperatives to address concerns regarding the misuse of Cooperative Savings Funds.
During the meeting, Chairman Thapa expressed his surprise and appreciation for the success and contributions of Small Farmer Cooperatives, which stood in contrast to the usual complaints and problems he encounters in the sector. He praised these cooperatives for their exceptional impact on social, economic, and awareness-level development.
Thapa emphasized that the ongoing issues in the cooperative sector are partly due to the failure to implement evaluation reports provided by the Nepal Rastra Bank.
He stressed the need for a Cooperative Register that could provide detailed information and oversight of operations. According to him, cooperatives that adhere to principles, policies, and procedures do not face the same challenges as those that deviate from them.
Khem Bahadur Pathak, Chairman of the Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Limited, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the remarkable role cooperatives have played in social change. He argued that not all cooperatives face problems, urging support for those that operate effectively.
Pathak asserted that Small Farmer Cooperatives across the country are generally problem-free, provided they comply with laws and policies. He added that the operating amount of NPR 112 billion within these cooperatives remains secure.
Pathak called for government support in providing technology, skills, tools, irrigation, seeds, and fertilizers. He also emphasized the need to promote the marketization of agricultural products, including meat, milk, and other goods, to support production-oriented cooperatives.
The discussion included participation from 28 directors and managers representing 25 cooperatives, along with officials from the Central Federation and general managers, among others.