Multi-state cooperative societies launched at national level with cabinet approval
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet approved the creation of three national-level multi-state cooperative societies to strengthen exports, organic farming, and quality seed supply, the Ministry of Cooperation said.
The Ministry established National Cooperative Exports Limited for exports, National Cooperative Organics Limited for organic produce, and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited for quality seeds. These entities were registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Moreover, cooperative societies from PACS to apex bodies became eligible to join them.
To expand outreach, the societies coordinated with State governments to raise awareness and enrol members. As a result, NCEL enrolled 15,790 cooperative societies across the country. Similarly, BBSSL added 34,078 members, while NCOL enrolled 11,822 societies nationwide.
In Himachal Pradesh, 140 PACSs joined NCEL, while 451 PACSs enrolled with BBSSL. Additionally, 139 PACSs became members of NCOL. Of these, 15 NCEL-linked PACSs, 12 BBSSL-linked PACSs, and four NCOL-linked PACSs were based in Shimla.
Multi-state cooperative societies expand operations through State nodal agencies
At present, the Ministry has not notified any special fast-track scheme for small and marginal farmers. However, the multi-state cooperative societies continued to expand through Memoranda of Understanding with State-nominated nodal agencies. Through this route, officials said, small and marginal farmers who joined cooperatives would receive direct benefits.
Meanwhile, APEDA and FSSAI undertook the establishment and accreditation of laboratories. In coordination, NCOL facilitated the empanelment and use of these facilities. Importantly, the effort included district-level laboratories to support organic certification under National Programme for Organic Production standards.
At the same time, BBSSL and NCOL worked with nodal agencies to promote ‘Bharat Beej’ and ‘Bharat Organics’ products. Nodal agencies were nominated by 31 States for NCOL and 26 States for BBSSL. So far, authorities signed MoUs with 22 agencies for NCOL and 14 for BBSSL. Efforts to onboard remaining States and Union Territories are continuing.
Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah shared this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
