Synopsis
Minister Jaykumar Rawal underlined the need for a professional approach by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Federation (SCMF) to better serve farmers through agricultural procurement. He advocated for necessary recruitment and collaboration to improve the Federation's financial standing and operational efficiency.Key Takeaways
- SCMF's Role: Key in aiding farmers.
- Professional Approach: Essential for success.
- Need for Recruitment: To fill current vacancies.
- Collaboration: With state bodies for better operations.
- Asset Management: Important for financial health.
Mumbai, April 16 (NationPress) Minister of Marketing Jaykumar Rawal emphasized on Wednesday that the Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Federation (SCMF) carries a significant duty in aiding farmers through the procurement of agricultural products.
To uphold its relevance and historical prestige while enhancing its financial status, the Federation must adopt a professional approach and maintain a positive mindset.
The minister also instructed that a proposal be submitted to the government for the necessary recruitment. Minister Rawal noted that the Federation, established in 1958, needs to evolve its objectives in accordance with contemporary needs.
“The Federation should adopt a positive outlook to boost its business. Given that the taluka-level purchasing and selling associations are integral to the marketing federation, it should act as a bridge between the state government and these associations. Therefore, fostering unity and trust among the purchasing and selling associations is crucial,” he remarked.
He proposed analyzing the successful operations of other states’ marketing federations and suggested inviting those states to market agricultural products from Maharashtra.
Efforts should focus on maximizing the purchase of agricultural products through the marketing federation and taluka-level associations, the minister stated.
“We will explore opportunities to leverage Union government schemes for business enhancement,” he added.
“The Federation’s assets must be well-maintained and utilized for rental purposes whenever feasible. It should also coordinate the establishment of weekly markets to bolster its financial health,” the minister stated.
He noted that collaboration with the Marketing Corporation and the Warehousing Corporation is essential for the optimal use of these assets.
The Federation’s Managing Director, Shridhar Dube Patil, conveyed that out of a total of 511 positions within the Federation, only 104 are currently filled, indicating a need for recruitment. He also highlighted that repairs are needed for the warehouses and other properties.
He further mentioned that this year, the state recorded the highest procurement of soybeans, maintaining Maharashtra’s leadership in the nation.
