In a significant move to strengthen various sectors of the Indian economy, the Ministry of Cooperation constituted three new Multi-State Cooperative Societies on 11th January, 2023. These societies, formed under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, aim to enhance exports, improve seed quality, and promote organic farming. Each society addresses a specific sector and is designed to empower stakeholders from the grassroots to the national level.
1. National Cooperative Exports Limited (NECL)
Establishment: Under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
Purpose: To serve as an umbrella organization promoting exports from the cooperative sector.
Membership: Open to cooperative societies from all levels, including District, State, National level federations, and Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
Key Achievements:
Facilitates the export of farmers' products, ensuring better pricing.
Attracted 2,624 membership applications from 22 States/UTs.
Hosted a National Seminar on Export through Cooperative on October 23, 2023.
Received authorization for the export of significant quantities of agricultural products, like White Rice and Sugar, to various countries.
2. Bhartiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)
Establishment: Formed under the same Act.
Objective: To function as an umbrella organization for the cultivation, production, and distribution of improved seeds.
Membership: Open to cooperative societies from Primary to State levels across States/Union Territories.
Impact: Aims to boost crop productivity and farmers' income through better seed availability.
Notable Event: Organized a National Seminar on improved and traditional seed production in the cooperative sector on October 26, 2023.
3. National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)
Formation: Also established under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
Role: Dedicated to the production, distribution, and marketing of certified organic products.
Membership: Includes cooperative societies of all levels, Multi-State Cooperative Societies, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Contributions:
Enhances the production and profitability of organic products.
Received 2,614 membership applications from 24 States/UTs.
Launched six organic products under the Bharat Organics brand.
Conducted a National Seminar on promoting organic products through cooperation on November 08, 2023.
These initiatives mark a pivotal step in bolstering the cooperative sector's contribution to India's economy, particularly in the realms of exports, agricultural productivity, and organic farming.