In the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, two significant agreements were signed on December 16, 2024, aimed at revitalizing the minor forest produce and dairy sectors in Chhattisgarh. These initiatives are aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and mark a pivotal step in expanding the cooperative movement in the state.
Transforming Forest Produce through Certification and Branding
One of the agreements, between the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Cooperative Federation Limited (CGMFPFED) and NCOL, focuses on certifying forest produce to ensure better market prices and enhanced livelihoods for tribal farmers. This initiative will promote organic-certified products such as wild forest honey, tamarind, cashew, chironji, mahua, and coarse grains under the brand ‘Bharat Organics’. These products will be marketed both nationally and internationally, boosting incomes for tribal families and empowering self-help groups involved in collection and processing.
The agreement will also encourage sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring ecological balance alongside economic progress. Shri Amit Shah emphasized that this initiative would bring prosperity to the lives of lakhs of tribal farmers in Chhattisgarh and improve their economic standing.
Strengthening the Dairy Sector
The second agreement, signed between the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Dairy Federation, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the State Government, aims to transform the state’s dairy cooperative sector. It envisions a dramatic increase in milk production and processing capacity. Key goals include:
- Expanding the number of dairy cooperative societies from 650 to 3,850.
- Increasing milk collection capacity from 79,000 kilograms to 5 lakh kilograms per day.
- Tripling milk processing capacity to 4 lakh litres per day.
- Scaling up liquid milk sales tenfold to 4 lakh litres per day.
Shri Shah highlighted the potential for dairy cooperatives to empower women, particularly in areas that have been freed from Naxalism. He called it a moral responsibility to integrate women from marginalized communities into cooperative movements to promote economic independence and eliminate exploitation.
Commitment to Organic Farming and Certification
Shri Amit Shah addressed the critical need for certified organic products to restore consumer trust and provide farmers with fair prices. He noted that NCOL is now working alongside brands like ‘Bharat’ and ‘Amul’ to offer certified organic food products. Within four years, certified organic grains will be available nationwide, supported by soil testing and verification at the district level.
Drawing attention to Gujarat’s success with organic farming, Shri Shah explained how innovative techniques, such as converting cow dung into organic fertilizers, have enabled farmers to achieve higher yields without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This success story is a model for states like Chhattisgarh.
A Boost for Tribal Communities and Cooperatives
These agreements are not just economic measures but are also seen as steps toward creating peace and security in the region. By connecting tribal farmers and women to cooperative networks, the initiatives aim to combat poverty, reduce dependence on exploitative practices, and foster socio-economic development.
The Union Home Minister assured that the Ministry of Cooperation will prioritize Chhattisgarh in providing support for cooperative expansion. He emphasized that cooperation is playing a dual role in driving prosperity and eradicating Naxalism in the state.
Collaborative Funding for Development
The projects under these agreements will be funded through contributions from the Central Government, the State Government, loans from NABARD, and technical support from NDDB. NDDB will provide managerial expertise for dairy plants and other facilities without charging any service fees, ensuring a collaborative approach to strengthening Chhattisgarh’s cooperative sector.
Towards a Cooperative-Driven Future
These landmark agreements reflect the potential of cooperative initiatives to transform Chhattisgarh’s rural economy. By focusing on organic certification, sustainable practices, and dairy infrastructure, they are set to bring prosperity and growth to the region while empowering marginalized communities.
