Revamping India's Cooperative Sector: A Symmetrical Growth Mission

Union Minister Amit Shah emphasized the uneven growth of India's cooperative sector, historically strong in the west but weak in the north and east. At a NAFED conference, Shah outlined government plans to boost symmetrical growth, focusing on increased profit with limited capital, organic farming, and seed conservation.

Union Minister Amit Shah has highlighted the uneven development of India's cooperative sector. While the western regions have experienced stabilization, the northern and eastern areas remain underdeveloped. Speaking at a conference organized by NAFED, Shah detailed government initiatives aimed at achieving more balanced growth across the country.

At the conference, Shah underscored the sector's potential to drive economic growth. He noted that cooperatives could yield significant profits and employment opportunities with minimal capital investment. He referenced Gujarat's success story involving 36 lakh women linked with Amul, whose efforts turned a modest capital into a turnover of Rs 80,000 crores.

The minister also discussed expanding the cooperative sector, with plans to establish two lakh new primary agricultural credit societies and focus on organic farming and seed conservation. Farmers will benefit from selling produce directly or via NAFED's app, aiming to enhance exports and promote organic agriculture over the next decade.

(With inputs from agencies.)