MUMBAI, 24 June 2025: Cooperatives are not just institutions but part of India's cultural roots, said Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing a national seminar on “Prosperity through Cooperatives” in Mumbai, marking the UN's declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives.
In a keynote address, Shri Chouhan emphasized that the cooperative model is central to achieving inclusive rural development and prosperity for small and marginal farmers. “Cooperatives are deeply ingrained in the soil and roots of India. The spirit of cooperation has always existed in our land, and we are building upon this ancient wisdom with modern tools,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that agriculture continues to be the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing 18% to GDP and employing nearly half of the population. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, foodgrain production has grown by 44% in the past 11 years. He laid out a detailed roadmap to increase per-hectare yield, cut production costs, ensure fair market prices, and offer better compensation for crop losses.
Focusing on smallholder farmers, who form the majority in India, Chouhan said the government is developing integrated farming models and policies tailored to their needs. “Farm models are being prepared, and brainstorming is ongoing to ensure even farmers with small holdings can thrive,” he added.
Shri Chouhan also spoke on the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, an outreach campaign connecting agricultural scientists directly with farmers. More than 2,170 KVK teams participated, offering insights, listening to grassroots challenges, and influencing policy directions. One pressing issue identified was the widespread use of substandard seeds and pesticides. The government, he confirmed, is preparing strict legislation to crack down on those supplying such inferior products.
In terms of marketing reforms, the Minister introduced a new Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for TOP crops (Tomato, Onion, Potato). The scheme includes transport cost coverage for farmers selling in high-price markets outside their regions. “Our goal is to ensure farmers get fair prices while also balancing affordability for consumers,” he said.
He further shared that pulses and oilseeds like toor, masoor, urad, and soybean have been procured at record levels, with plans to provide financial support for improved storage infrastructure.
Chouhan also outlined a busy schedule of agriculture-focused consultations: on June 24, a nationwide brainstorming session with ICAR scientists; on June 26, a meeting on soybean productivity in Indore; on June 27, one focused on cotton in Gujarat; and a special meeting in Uttar Pradesh to address sugarcane cultivation.
The event was attended by top cooperative and agriculture sector leaders including Manikrao Kokate, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister; Vishal Singh, Chairman, NCCF; Dilip Sanghani, Chairman, IFFCO; Chandra Pal Singh, Chairman, KRIBHCO; Jethabhai Ahir, Director, NAFED; and Ajay Patel, Chairman, Gujarat State Cooperative Bank.
On the occasion, the Minister also handed over equity grant cheques to three FPOs supported by NAFED, distributed NAFED franchise certificates to five FPOs, released a book on FPO success stories, and awarded winners of a NAFED-organized competition.
Shri Chouhan concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, cooperative-led growth, and grassroots-driven policymaking, stating, “Agricultural policy cannot be made by sitting in Delhi. It must begin with the farmers in the fields.”
