SKUAST-K–handheld FPO wins second best cooperative award

RK News
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31 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 31: SKUAST-K–handheld FPO The Kashmir Sehjar Organic Honey Cooperative Ltd. (Tral, Pulwama) has added another milestone by receiving the Second Best Cooperative Award at Jammu on 31 December 2025, The award carries INR 25,000 prize money, along with a citation and a shawl. The award recognises the cooperative’s commendable performance and its contribution to strengthening the cooperative movement through organised honey production and farmer-led enterprise. The first prize was won by The shiwalik Hills Honey FPO, Chadwal, Kathua. The award was formally presented by Bal Krishan, JKAS, Additional Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Department of Cooperatives, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. His presence and the recognition from the Department underline the importance of well-governed cooperatives and FPOs in driving sustainable livelihoods, encouraging value addition, and ensuring better market access for grassroots producers. The award was received by Ubaid Ahmad Reshi, Chief Executive Officer, of the said FPO on the behalf of its members and BoDs. This honour reflects the collective dedication of the cooperative’s member beekeepers, Board, and field functionaries who have worked consistently to improve practices, maintain quality, and expand outreach. It also highlights the role of SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Extension in providing continuous handholding support through training, technical advisories, institutional strengthening, and facilitation for branding and market linkages—helping the cooperative progress as a model of organised, farmer-owned development in the region. Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K congratulated The Kashmir Sehjar Organic Honey Cooperative Ltd. and all its members for this well-deserved recognition, and wishes the cooperative continued growth in quality improvement, diversification, and wider market penetration—so that more beekeepers and rural families can benefit through a strong and sustainable cooperative framework.