National Seminar on ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’

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

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• 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

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

• 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.

PIB