Cooperatives Are the Backbone of Rural Prosperity: Chouhan
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered a keynote address in Mumbai on June 20, 2025. The seminar, themed ‘Prosperity through Cooperatives’, celebrated the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives (2025). Experts, policymakers, and cooperative leaders gathered to discuss how India’s rural economy can grow through collaboration and community-driven efforts.
Farming Still Powers India’s Economy
Chouhan reminded the audience that agriculture remains vital. Nearly 46% of Indians depend on it, contributing about 18% to the national GDP. He pointed out that foodgrain production rose by 44% in the past 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
He highlighted three national goals:
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Food security for India’s 144 crore citizens
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Better incomes for farmers
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Nutritious food for every household
Most Indian farmers own small plots of land. Chouhan stressed that these smallholders are the focus of policy reforms. The government is developing integrated farming models to help them earn more from limited space.
Bridging Labs and Lands
One standout initiative is the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’. This connects agricultural research directly to farms. Over 2,170 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) teams visited villages, offering guidance and collecting feedback.
This shift ensures policy is based on real-world challenges, not just office discussions in Delhi. During these visits, scientists uncovered major problems. Chief among them: poor-quality seeds and pesticides. In response, the Centre plans strict new laws against sellers of fake or harmful inputs.
Ensuring Fair Prices and Stable Supply
To help farmers earn better, the government introduced a new Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for Tomatoes, Onions, and Potatoes (TOP crops). When farmers move produce to other states for higher prices, the Centre covers transport costs.
This helps both ends of the chain. Farmers get better returns, and consumers pay fair rates. The government also began large-scale procurement of pulses like toor, masoor, and urad. Record purchases of soybean and oilseeds were made. Plans are underway to build better storage infrastructure.
Focused Crop Strategy
Chouhan announced a series of crop-specific meetings this month:
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Focused Crop Strategy
Chouhan also announced a series of targeted meetings to tackle crop-specific challenges. An online brainstorming session will bring together ICAR scientists and agricultural institutions across India. Later in the month, a meeting on soybean production will take place in Indore. Following that, experts will gather in Gujarat to review cotton cultivation. Additionally, a dedicated session on sugarcane will be held in Uttar Pradesh.
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Date TBA: Sugarcane session in Uttar Pradesh
These meetings aim to solve specific problems and strengthen crop planning.
Cooperatives: Deeply Rooted in India
“Cooperatives are embedded in Indian culture,” Chouhan said. They promote shared growth and ensure community participation.
Leaders from IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, and other major organizations joined the event. Chouhan handed equity grants to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and issued certificates to new NAFED franchisees. He also released a book titled “Success-Stories of NAFED-supported FPOs”.
Conclusion: Small Farmers, Big Vision
Chouhan’s message was clear. India’s development depends on its farmers, especially smallholders. With cooperatives, market reforms, and scientific guidance, they can earn more and thrive.
This people-first approach ensures that policy meets practice. By bringing labs to the land, and putting farmers first, the government aims to build a stronger rural India.
