Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the 2-day Cooperative Trade Fair 2025, organised by the Department of Cooperative, UT Ladakh, on December 11. The event showcased the achievements of Ladakh’s cooperative sector while opening new avenues for future growth.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor highlighted that the fair not only displays the accomplishments of the cooperative sector but also guides new directions and opportunities for development. He underlined the indispensable role of cooperatives in Ladakh’s geographically challenging landscape, where Consumer, Marketing, and Agricultural Societies ensure the supply of essential commodities, agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and vermi-compost, as well as vegetables and fruits during harsh winters. These societies also provide fair market access for local produce. He noted that such efforts exemplify the robustness of Ladakh’s cooperative movement, which has become the backbone of the region’s rural economy.

Referring to the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, the Lt Governor expressed pride in Ladakh’s enthusiastic participation through initiatives such as the inauguration of a cafeteria-cum-showroom, awareness workshops in Hanley and Khaltse, distribution of milking machines to dairy farmers, school-level programmes, organic manure drives, mass plantation activities, and fruit processing demonstrations—each contributing to community empowerment and self-reliance.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he reiterated the mantra “Sahakar Se Samriddhi,”  which energises the cooperative movement by fostering economic partnership, social unity, collective strength, and sustainable development. He described the exhibition as a strong symbol of this national resolve.

Looking ahead, the Lt Governor stressed the need to modernise cooperatives through digital platforms, branding, value addition, packaging, and quality improvement. He encouraged youth and women entrepreneurs to lead innovation and help Ladakh emerge as a model cooperative region.

In his concluding remarks, he reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to policy support, financial assistance, quality enhancement, and institutional strengthening to build a self-reliant and sustainable cooperative network in Ladakh. He expressed confidence that the fair would reinforce community unity, partnership, and prosperity in the spirit of cooperation.

Later, Kavinder Gupta felicitated top-performing cooperatives with excellence awards, including Gulbahar Milk and Dairy Cooperative Society Minjee, Fruits Growers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society Kargil, Tibetan Refugee Service Co-operative Society Ltd Choglamsar, and Ladakh Transport Cooperative Society. He also visited various stalls displaying products and food items from cooperatives across Ladakh.

Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal emphasised the importance of cooperatives in both developed and developing nations, highlighting their role in improving livelihoods, fostering social bonds, and promoting interdependence. He acknowledged significant growth in the dairy and pashmina sectors in Ladakh in recent years.

Administrative Secretary Bhupesh Chaudhary noted that Ladakh has 273 registered cooperatives across various sectors, providing economic support and livelihood opportunities to women self-help groups and entrepreneurs—truly reflecting the spirit of “Sahkar se Adhikari tak.”

Additional Registrar Cooperative, Syed Sajad Qadri, also briefed the gathering on departmental initiatives, noting the global significance of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives.