Cooperative reforms need local solutions, not a one-size-fits-all model: Ministry

Government Announcements & Schemes

Bastar: India's cooperative sector needs state-specific action plans, stronger grassroots institutions and better market linkages to translate policy reforms into tangible benefits for farmers. This was the key message from the ninth National Review Workshop organised by the Ministry of Cooperation in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, on October 8–9. The two-day workshop brought together state officials, registrars of cooperative societies, national cooperative institutions and sector stakeholders to review progress in cooperative banking, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy cooperatives, digitalisation, agricultural marketing and decentralised grain storage. Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called on states to prepare prioritised action plans with clear responsibilities, defined timelines and regular monitoring. He stressed that India's diverse regional conditions require locally adapted approaches rather than a uniform cooperative development model. The discussions also highlighted the need to identify successful state-level initiatives, document their outcomes and replicate them where suitable. National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) featured in discussions on strengthening grassroots cooperatives. These institutions can help cooperatives aggregate agricultural produce, connect with wider markets and improve price realisation for farmers and members. The Ministry also encouraged states to explore fertiliser-related business opportunities for...