New Delhi, Jan 2, 2025 –
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting of the National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL) at the Ministry of Cooperation. The key agenda was to boost organic farming in India through the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) network.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Ministry Secretary Shri Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Additional Secretary Shri Pankaj Bansal, NCOL Chairman Shri Minesh Shah, NABARD Chairman Shri Shaji K.V., and other senior officials.
Organic Farming Through PACS
Shri Amit Shah emphasized the importance of linking all PACS in the country with India’s organic farming mission. He directed the launch of a national awareness campaign to promote organic products and instructed NCOL to identify authentic sources of organic produce and ensure strict purity standards.
He proposed building a strong supply chain under NCOL’s “Bharat Organics” brand, where all organic products must undergo mandatory batch testing to ensure quality and authenticity.
Ensuring Fair Prices for Farmers
Highlighting farmer welfare, Shri Shah said farmers must receive fair and attractive prices for their organic crops. He suggested collaboration with Amul to fix suitable prices for commonly consumed items like organic flour and Arhar dal.
He cited a successful example from Uttarakhand, where NCOL’s paddy procurement offered farmers 10-15% higher profits, encouraging the shift to organic cultivation.
PACS as Organic Sales Hubs
To further strengthen distribution, Shri Shah recommended that PACS should function as sales points for organic products and certified seeds. This would not only help in increasing reach but also strengthen the local cooperative ecosystem.
He also proposed that each cooperative society should include at least one young farmer, who can act as a local motivator for the organic movement and help drive innovation.
Training and Marketing Initiatives
The Minister stressed the need for regular training programs for both PACS members and farmers to educate them on organic farming methods and product marketing.
He added that marketing organic products is crucial to boost demand, especially during festive seasons when consumer interest in quality food is high.
Loan Support and Financial Access
To make the transition to organic farming financially viable, Shri Shah urged NABARD and the Ministry of Cooperation to design customized loan schemes that match the financial capabilities of small farmers. This move would provide easy access to credit and support long-term sustainability.
Bharat Organics: The Road Ahead
The NCOL, through its “Bharat Organics” brand, is expected to become the national driver for promoting organic agriculture. With support from PACS, state cooperatives, and central agencies, the initiative aims to offer high-quality organic food to consumers while ensuring better incomes for farmers.
Conclusion
With these strategic steps, Shri Amit Shah envisions a robust, farmer-friendly ecosystem that strengthens India’s position in the global organic market. The integration of PACS, transparent pricing, efficient supply chains, and financial support mechanisms are set to transform rural agriculture and boost consumer confidence in organic produce.