India Establishes Multi-State Cooperative Societies to Boost Exports, Seed Production, and Organic Farming
Source: DairyNews.today
The Ministry of Cooperation in India has launched three national-level multi-state cooperative societies aimed at enhancing the country’s agricultural output, improving export capabilities, and promoting organic farming. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act of 2002, these societies are designed to bolster collaboration across various cooperative levels.
The societies cover the sectors of exports, organic produce, and quality seeds, with all cooperatives involved in relevant activities eligible for membership.
National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)
NCEL, founded by key players such as Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF - Amul), and others, aims to expand the reach of Indian cooperative products globally. With an initial paid-up capital of Rs. 500 crore and an authorized share capital of Rs. 2,000 crore, NCEL is tasked with facilitating exports of agricultural goods by accessing international markets and maximizing returns for Indian cooperatives.
To date, NCEL has successfully exported 31 agricultural commodities, including rice, onions, and sugar, valued at Rs. 3,934 crore. Additionally, it has made significant strides in baby food, processed food, spices, and tea exports. The cooperative has established partnerships with state governments, including those of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, to align local cooperatives and farmers with the export agenda. NCEL reported a net profit of Rs. 26.40 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24 and paid a 20% dividend to its members in its first operational year.
Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)
BBSSL, also promoted by major cooperatives like IFFCO and KRIBHCO, is focused on improving India’s seed production system. With a paid-up capital of Rs. 250 crore and an authorized share capital of Rs. 500 crore, BBSSL aims to reduce dependency on imported seeds and increase crop yield by promoting quality seed production through cooperatives.
BBSSL’s initiatives include the production, procurement, and distribution of foundation and certified seeds. Its efforts also extend to improving rural economies and supporting the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. The cooperative has already made notable progress, producing 11,594 quintals of foundation seed during the Rabi 2023-24 season and distributing over 38,000 quintals of seeds across multiple regions.
National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)
The third cooperative, NCOL, seeks to support the organic farming sector. With a paid-up capital of Rs. 100 crore and authorized share capital of Rs. 500 crore, NCOL focuses on the aggregation, certification, procurement, and marketing of organic products. The cooperative aims to boost production and sales of certified organic goods through member cooperatives, fostering the growth of the organic market.
NCOL has initiated the marketing of organic products under the "Bharat Organics" brand, which is now available in Safal outlets and other channels across Delhi NCR. It has also signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with several states and organizations, including Nagaland, Assam, and Mother Dairy, to promote organic farming and expand the reach of organic products.
The establishment of these multi-state cooperative societies marks a significant step in India’s agricultural development. Through focused efforts on exports, seed production, and organic farming, these initiatives aim to increase India’s agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and strengthen the cooperative sector’s role in the global market. With growing memberships and expanding initiatives, these cooperatives are poised to make a substantial impact in the coming years.
National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)
NCEL, founded by key players such as Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF - Amul), and others, aims to expand the reach of Indian cooperative products globally. With an initial paid-up capital of Rs. 500 crore and an authorized share capital of Rs. 2,000 crore, NCEL is tasked with facilitating exports of agricultural goods by accessing international markets and maximizing returns for Indian cooperatives.
To date, NCEL has successfully exported 31 agricultural commodities, including rice, onions, and sugar, valued at Rs. 3,934 crore. Additionally, it has made significant strides in baby food, processed food, spices, and tea exports. The cooperative has established partnerships with state governments, including those of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, to align local cooperatives and farmers with the export agenda. NCEL reported a net profit of Rs. 26.40 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24 and paid a 20% dividend to its members in its first operational year.
Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)
BBSSL, also promoted by major cooperatives like IFFCO and KRIBHCO, is focused on improving India’s seed production system. With a paid-up capital of Rs. 250 crore and an authorized share capital of Rs. 500 crore, BBSSL aims to reduce dependency on imported seeds and increase crop yield by promoting quality seed production through cooperatives.
BBSSL’s initiatives include the production, procurement, and distribution of foundation and certified seeds. Its efforts also extend to improving rural economies and supporting the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. The cooperative has already made notable progress, producing 11,594 quintals of foundation seed during the Rabi 2023-24 season and distributing over 38,000 quintals of seeds across multiple regions.
National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)
The third cooperative, NCOL, seeks to support the organic farming sector. With a paid-up capital of Rs. 100 crore and authorized share capital of Rs. 500 crore, NCOL focuses on the aggregation, certification, procurement, and marketing of organic products. The cooperative aims to boost production and sales of certified organic goods through member cooperatives, fostering the growth of the organic market.
NCOL has initiated the marketing of organic products under the "Bharat Organics" brand, which is now available in Safal outlets and other channels across Delhi NCR. It has also signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with several states and organizations, including Nagaland, Assam, and Mother Dairy, to promote organic farming and expand the reach of organic products.
The establishment of these multi-state cooperative societies marks a significant step in India’s agricultural development. Through focused efforts on exports, seed production, and organic farming, these initiatives aim to increase India’s agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and strengthen the cooperative sector’s role in the global market. With growing memberships and expanding initiatives, these cooperatives are poised to make a substantial impact in the coming years.
