On 26th Oct, in India, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL), underlining its strategic objectives: enhancing agricultural exports, elevating farmers’ income, focusing on demand-oriented cultivation, promoting organic products and bio-fuel exports, and overall development of the cooperative sector.Highlighting the significance of agriculture, Shah noted that it accounts for approximately 15% of the national GDP. Yet, a striking 60% of the population relies on it. “Economic fortification cannot be achieved by sidelining this significant 60%,” Shah remarked.
More job opportunities
“To bolster our GDP and uplift the income of this majority segment, it’s imperative to provide them with more job opportunities. Strengthening cooperatives emerges as a paramount solution,” he emphasized. Shah expressed confidence that NCEL would diligently work to realize its six primary objectives.Functioning as a nexus between the farming community (via cooperatives) and international markets, NCEL will facilitate the export of in-demand products such as milk derivatives, jeera, isabgol, spices, and ethanol. The Cooperation Minister revealed that NCEL has already secured orders worth $ 84,08 Billion and is in discussions for an additional $180,18 Billion.
Government-to-government basis
In a significant move, NCEL was designated as the primary agency to oversee non-Basmati rice exports on a government-to-government basis. All international orders procured through diplomatic avenues will be channeled via NCEL.Addressing a concern that farmers often miss out on export benefits, Shah assured that NCEL will guarantee a minimum of 50% of profit is transferred directly to the farmers’ bank accounts. This will be after acquiring products at the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), incentivizing farmers to cultivate export-oriented crops.
“Presently, farmers are largely producing based on personal choices. NCEL’s aim is to realign this approach to match international demand,” Shah commented. He emphasized NCEL’s commitment to comprehensive brand development, efficient packaging, and effective marketing strategies.On a concluding note, Minister Shah informed that the government intends to launch pilot projects via Nafed and NCCF to boost pulse production. These bodies will initiate the registration of farmers engaged in pulse cultivation.