Strengthening India’s Economy: New Multi-State Cooperative Societies

Introduction to Multi-State Cooperative Societies

On January 11, 2023, the Ministry of Cooperation took a significant step to bolster various sectors of the Indian economy by establishing three new Multi-State Cooperative Societies. Formed under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, these societies aim to enhance exports, improve seed quality, and promote organic farming. Each society targets a specific sector and is designed to empower stakeholders from the grassroots to the national level.

1. National Cooperative Exports Limited (NECL)

Establishment: This organization was created under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
Purpose: NECL serves as an umbrella organization to promote exports from the cooperative sector.
Membership: It is open to cooperative societies of all levels, including District, State, National level federations, and Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

• Key Achievements: NECL facilitates the export of farmers' products, ensuring better pricing.
• Attracted 2,624 membership applications from 22 States/UTs.
• Hosted a National Seminar on Export through Cooperative on October 23, 2023.
• Received authorization for exporting significant quantities of agricultural products, such as White Rice and Sugar, to various countries.

2. Bhartiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

Establishment: Formed under the same Act as NECL.
Objective: BBSSL functions as an umbrella organization for the cultivation, production, and distribution of improved seeds.
Membership: Open to cooperative societies from Primary to State levels across States and Union Territories.

• Impact: Aims to boost crop productivity and farmers' income through better seed availability.
• Notable Event: Organized a National Seminar on improved and traditional seed production in the cooperative sector on October 26, 2023.

3. National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)

Formation: Established under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
Role: NCOL is dedicated to the production, distribution, and marketing of certified organic products.
Membership: Includes cooperative societies of all levels, Multi-State Cooperative Societies, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

• Contributions: Enhances the production and profitability of organic products.
• Received 2,614 membership applications from 24 States/UTs.
• Launched six organic products under the Bharat Organics brand.
• Conducted a National Seminar on promoting organic products through cooperation on November 08, 2023.

Conclusion

These initiatives represent a pivotal step in enhancing the cooperative sector's contribution to India's economy, particularly in exports, agricultural productivity, and organic farming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of National Cooperative Exports Limited?
Answer: NECL serves to promote exports from the cooperative sector, facilitating better pricing for farmers' products.

Q2. How does Bhartiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited impact farmers?
Answer: BBSSL aims to improve seed availability, thereby boosting crop productivity and increasing farmers' income.

Q3. What role does National Cooperative Organics Limited play in agriculture?
Answer: NCOL is focused on the production and marketing of certified organic products, enhancing profitability for farmers.

Q4. How many states have applied for membership in NECL?
Answer: NECL received 2,624 membership applications from 22 States and Union Territories.

Q5. What event did NCOL conduct to promote organic products?
Answer: NCOL held a National Seminar on promoting organic products through cooperation on November 08, 2023.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main focus of National Cooperative Exports Limited?
A) Marketing of traditional seeds
B) Promoting exports from the cooperative sector
C) Enhancing organic farming
D) Production of improved seeds
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which act governs the establishment of these new cooperatives?
A) Agricultural Cooperatives Act
B) Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
C) Seed Quality Act
D) Organic Farming Act
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How many membership applications did NCOL receive?
A) 2,614
B) 2,624
C) 1,500
D) 3,000
Correct Answer: A

Question 4: Which of the following events was organized by BBSSL?
A) National Seminar on Organic Farming
B) National Seminar on Export through Cooperative
C) National Seminar on Seed Production
D) National Seminar on Agricultural Policies
Correct Answer: C