Context:
On the backdrop of the UN declaring 2025 as the ‘International Year of Cooperatives’, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a national-level seminar on the theme ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’ in Mumbai. The seminar aimed to highlight the transformative role of cooperatives in India’s socio-economic framework, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Cooperatives
A cooperative (or co-op) is a business or organization owned and run jointly by its members, who share in its profits and benefits. It’s a form of self-governed group where individuals with common needs come together to meet their economic, social, and cultural needs through a collectively owned and democratically managed enterprise.
Key Highlights
- Importance of Cooperatives in Indian Ethos
- Cooperatives are ingrained in India’s cultural and socio-economic traditions.
- The model is ideal for inclusive growth and community development.
- Agriculture Sector: Backbone of the Economy
- Agriculture contributes 18% to India’s GDP and supports 46% of the population.
- Under PM Modi’s leadership, foodgrain production has risen by 44% in the last 11 years.
Strategic Roadmap for Agricultural Prosperity
Focus on:
- Higher yield per hectare
- Cost reduction
- Fair price for produce
- Crop-loss compensation
- Diversification
- Sustainable use of fertilizers and soil health
Major Government Initiatives and Announcements
- Connects scientific research to farming practice.
- 2,170 KVK scientist teams engaged with farmers to understand local issues.
- Issues identified: Poor quality seeds and pesticides.
- Government to enact stringent laws against manufacturers of substandard agri-inputs.
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for TOP Crops
- Tomato, Onion, Potato (TOP) farmers to receive transport cost support if selling outside their home state for better prices.
- Ensures price stability for both farmers and consumers.
Procurement Expansion
- Government to procure toor, masoor, and urad post farmer registration.
- Record procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and soybean already achieved.
- Plans for financial aid for storage facilities.
