Kathmandu. The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and the National Cooperative Federation jointly organized the International Cooperative Day on Saturday. Various cooperatives and personalities were honoured at the programme with the theme ‘Cooperatives: Journey towards inclusive and sustainable solutions to build a beautiful world’.

This year’s National Cooperative Award has been presented to Govinda Prasad Upreti, Chairman of Bhuvaneshwari Milk Production Co-operative Society Limited, Barhatwa-15, Sarlahi. Minister Balaram Adhikari and FNJ President Om Devi Malla honoured him with Rs 50,000 each.

Madhav Khadka, editor of NepalPatra, was awarded the cooperative journalism award while Laxmi Gyawali, manager of District Cooperative Association, Rupandehi, was awarded the best cooperative employee award. Both the awards carry a purse of Rs 25,000.

Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Association was awarded on behalf of the Central Cooperative Association. Dolakha District Savings and Credit Cooperative Association received the Best Cooperative Award 2081 at the district level.

Initial co-operative societies in all seven provinces were also awarded:

Koshi: Mechi Krishak Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Jhapa

Madhes: Mahila Small Farmers Agriculture Co-operative Society Limited, Dhanusha

Bagmati: Community Savings and Credit Co-operative Society, Panauti, Kavre

Gandaki: Rural Swavalamban Small Farmers Agriculture Cooperative Society, Syangja

Lumbini: Rainbow Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Rupandehi

Karnali: Chandannath Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Jumla

Sudurpaschim: Jeevanjyoti Savings and Credit Co-operative Society, Baitadi

On the occasion, a study report on cooperatives prepared by The National Cooperative Federation and Heifer International was made public. Women leaders in the cooperative sector Nirmala Dangal, Dilmaya Saru and Neelam BK presented their stories of struggle. Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives Umesh Dhungana presented the main working paper.

Minister Balram Adhikari said he was committed to amending the Cooperative-Friendly Act and pointed out the need for collaboration and unity. FNCCI President Om Devi Malla shared that the International Cooperative Day is being celebrated across the world with various programmes.

Secretary at the Ministry Kedarnath Sharma, FNCCI advisors Keshav Badal, Deepak Prakash Baskota, Khagaraj Adhikari and Dr Dipu Moni were present on the occasion. Usha Jha, Lilamani Pokharel, President of NAFSCOON Chand Dhakal, Country Director of Heifer International, Dr. Tirtha Raj Regmi and others were present on the occasion.