Record funding and growth
Shri Shah noted that NCDC’s financial assistance to cooperative institutions has risen nearly fourfold over four years — from ₹24,700 crore in 2020–21 to ₹95,200 crore in 2024–25 — underscoring a steep growth trajectory in credit flow to cooperatives.
The minister highlighted that NCDC’s compound annual growth rate in recent years has exceeded 40 per cent, the corporation recorded its highest-ever net profit of ₹807 crore and maintained zero net non-performing assets, strengthening its institutional credibility.
Outlining future priorities, Shri Shah urged a special focus on dairy, livestock, fisheries and women-led cooperative societies. He announced that NCDC would mobilise up to ₹20,000 crore — backed by a ₹2,000 crore central grant approved earlier — to provide long-term and working-capital loans to these sectors at concessional rates.
The minister also pointed to NCDC’s support for the Blue Economy: financing trawlers for deep-sea fishing in Maharashtra and Gujarat has helped economically empower fishing communities, especially women. NCDC has strengthened 1,070 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and is working on 2,348 more under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Sah-Yojana.
Circular economy and sugar-dairy linkages
Shri Shah urged the promotion of circular-economy practices in sugar and dairy sectors to diversify revenue streams for farmers. Citing the government’s ₹1,000 crore grant for modernising cooperative sugar mills, he said NCDC has disbursed ₹10,005 crore to 56 mills for ethanol, co-generation and working capital to boost viability.
New initiatives and expansion
Announcing institutional innovations, the minister said NCDC is supporting the country’s first cooperative taxi service “Bharat Taxi” a multi-state cooperative that will provide livelihood opportunities for drivers. He also flagged the “Cooperative Intern” programme to increase youth participation and hands-on experience in cooperative institutions.
To deepen outreach, NCDC has opened regional and sub-offices across the country, including new presence in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and several North-East states, expanding the network of field offices that deliver financial and technical support to local cooperatives.
PACS, FPOs and digital push
Shri Shah reiterated that Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being strengthened as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to secure better value for farmers. He also highlighted multi-state cooperative initiatives such as National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) to promote organic production and exports.
What this means for rural India
With NCDC’s sizeable credit push, the cooperation ministry seeks to foster inclusive rural development, create non-farm livelihoods and catalyse farmer incomes through collective economies. Officials said the combined effect of concessional loans, infrastructural support and localised offices should accelerate cooperative-led growth across states.
For full details of the minister’s address and NCDC’s programme list, readers can consult the official Press Information Bureau release and NCDC’s website.