Union Home and Cooperative Minister Amit Shah announced that a new cooperative policy will be introduced by the government within the next month. Additionally, he mentioned plans to establish two lakh multipurpose PACS in two lakh panchayats across the country over the next five years. These statements were made during his address at the “Sahkar se Samriddhi” conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, held in celebration of the 102nd International Cooperative Day on Saturday.
50 percent subsidy on nano-fertilizers
At this time, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister has introduced a program to provide a 50 percent subsidy on the acquisition of nano-fertilizers for farmers by the Gujarat government. Union Minister Shah has also unveiled ‘Bharat Organic Atta’ manufactured by NCOL. He stated that the Gujarat government has made a significant decision to offer a 50 percent subsidy on nano urea and nano DAP. Shah urged the farmers, stating that once nano urea is sprayed, there will be no need to separately add urea, as doing so damages the crop, soil, and health. The spraying of nano urea and nano DAP is adequate.
Promotion of organic food
Amit Shah announced that the Government of India has established the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) to support organic food production and ensure fair prices for farmers. NCOL has recently introduced Bharat Organic Atta on Cooperative Day, adding to the two brands that offer trustworthy organic products. Union Minister Shah emphasized the importance of promoting organic food through these initiatives.
Cooperative
The concept of cooperative movement has a long history in India, dating back to our forefathers who embraced it approximately 125 years ago. Esteemed figures such as Sardar Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, Baikunth Bhai Mehta, Tribhuvan Das Patel, and Gadgil ji were proponents of this idea. However, there came a period when the cooperative movement began to lose momentum. Recognizing its significance, Prime Minister Modi established the cooperative ministry three years ago on 6 July in an effort to rejuvenate it.
At a new stage
Shah emphasized the significant role played by the 125-year-old cooperative movement today, highlighting its various contributions. The cooperative sector plays a crucial role in the rural and agricultural economy, contributing 20% to agricultural loans, 35% to fertilizer distribution, 21% to production, 31% to sugar, 13% to wheat purchases, and 20% to paddy purchases. Renowned institutions like IFFCO, AMUL, and KRIBHCO have gained global recognition. Shah stressed the need to establish a strong foundation to ensure that cooperation reaches every household in the next five years.
The government has introduced numerous new schemes, aimed at increasing the income of maize-producing farmers through cooperative efforts. These initiatives include the purchase of maize at MSP through cooperatives, as well as the production of ethanol from maize. These measures are expected to boost farmers’ income and reduce the country’s reliance on imported oil. Additionally, plans are in place to produce 100 percent pulses through NAFED and NCCF. The Union Minister emphasized the importance of conducting economic transactions within cooperative institutions, highlighting the success of a pilot project in Gujarat. He expressed confidence that if this model is replicated nationwide, it will significantly expand the scope of cooperatives and eliminate the need to seek external funding.
Cooperatives’ is the mantra of prosperity with less capital
If there is no capital available and one must progress towards development, cooperatives are the sole solution. Referring to Amul as an example, it was mentioned that in this cooperative organization, 3.5 million women have initiated a business worth Rs 60 billion by investing only Rs 100.
It was highlighted that the Ministry of Cooperatives has implemented various measures to enhance the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals. A comprehensive database of cooperatives has been compiled at the state, district, and village levels nationwide. This database contains information on which villages have dairy or PACS facilities. The cooperative registrars in the districts possess this data. Amit Shah has urged the district registrars, presidents of district cooperative banks, and presidents of cooperative unions to utilize this information to establish cooperative organizations in areas where they are lacking.
Panchayats with cooperatives
The Minister of the Union has announced the vision of a cooperative panchayat. Currently, there are over two lakh panchayats without cooperative institutions. The goal is to establish multipurpose PACS in two lakh panchayats within the next five years. Efforts have been made to address the weaknesses of PACS, and model rules have been developed and adopted by states nationwide. Over one lakh PACS have already embraced the new bylaws.
PACS are now engaged in various activities, with 48 thousand PACS actively involved in different dimensions. The Minister urged newly registered PACS to align with the new model bylaws and engage in activities such as fertilizer and seed distribution, dairy, affordable medicine shops, and storage. Additionally, the Minister announced the opening of 1100 new FPOs, and the formation of three multi-state initiatives to enhance the prosperity of farmers.
Cooperatives
The Cooperative Minister urged the PACS to visit the websites of the aforementioned societies and complete the registration process. He also announced the initiation of the establishment of an umbrella organization for cooperative banks, aiming to enhance public confidence in such financial institutions.