Established to provide cooperative societies with access to international markets, NCEL exports surplus goods and services of primary cooperatives without using its own brand. This ensures that cooperative societies can participate in foreign trade without facing legal or procedural barriers.
Empowering Primary Cooperative Societies
Primary cooperative societies can become members of NCEL by purchasing a single share valued at ₹10,000. Additionally, a one-time non-refundable admission fee of ₹500 is required, as per Clauses 19 and 7(3) of NCEL’s Byelaws. Membership enables cooperatives to export their agricultural produce globally, promoting growth and income diversification for local farmers.
NCEL procures agricultural and allied commodities from cooperative societies and manages the entire export process. By doing so, it removes the complexities of international trade for smaller cooperatives, creating a seamless pathway to global markets.
Government Support and Policy Backing
The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, shared this update in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that NCEL is a key initiative under the government’s cooperative development strategy, strengthening India’s presence in international agricultural markets while supporting grassroots cooperative members.
For further details on NCEL’s policies and membership criteria, primary cooperative societies can refer to the official byelaws published by NCEL or visit the Ministry of Cooperation portal: https://cooperation.gov.in/.
Impact on Agricultural Exports
NCEL’s export initiative not only enhances India’s agricultural export portfolio but also provides a reliable income source for farmers and cooperative members. By focusing on high-demand commodities like turmeric and cumin, NCEL positions Indian cooperatives strategically in competitive global markets.
Experts believe that scaling such cooperative-driven export models can significantly contribute to India’s goal of becoming a leading agricultural exporter while empowering rural communities economically.
