Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has asked the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to prepare a comprehensive 25-year roadmap for the growth of India’s cooperative sector. He made the announcement while chairing the 93rd meeting of NCDC’s General Council in New Delhi.
Shah said cooperatives are an effective way to connect small farmers, livestock rearers, rural women, fishermen and economically weaker sections with national development. According to him, these groups can pool their limited resources and collective strength to create new opportunities in production, processing, marketing and income generation.
Focus on Long-Term Growth
The Minister directed NCDC to prepare a detailed roadmap for the next 25 years, aimed at strengthening the cooperative movement across the country. The plan is expected to guide the corporation’s future work in areas such as rural industries, agricultural processing, marketing, water conservation and cooperative banking.
Shah said cooperative societies can bring large numbers of people together with modest capital and create new opportunities for income generation. He stressed that the sector has a major role to play in making rural India self-reliant.
Strong Performance by NCDC
During the meeting, Shah highlighted NCDC’s strong financial performance and its progress in achieving key targets. He noted improvements in profit per employee, higher loan sanctions and disbursements, and the maintenance of zero net non-performing assets.
The Minister also said NCDC has expanded its activities to cover production, processing, marketing, rural industries, water conservation, agricultural insurance, cooperative banking and the circular economy.
Push for Circular Economy in Sugar Mills
Shah called for the development of new business models based on the circular economy for cooperative sugar mills. The idea is to make better use of by-products and reduce waste, while creating additional sources of income for farmers and cooperative societies.
He also said a target has been set to make the Northeast self-reliant in animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries by 2030. This is expected to boost rural employment and strengthen the local economy in the region.
Recognition for India’s Cooperative Sector
Shah praised the strong performance of Indian cooperatives in international cooperative rankings, calling it a matter of pride for the country. He said the sector’s growing global standing reflects the hard work of millions of people involved in cooperative societies across India.
The Minister also appreciated NCDC’s role in developing institutions such as National Cooperative Exports Limited, Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited, National Cooperative Organics Limited, Bharat Taxi, Sahakar Sarathi and the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation.
What Happens Next
The General Council meeting reviewed NCDC’s audited annual accounts, annual report and financial performance for the financial year 2025-26. The 25-year roadmap is expected to build on this performance and provide a long-term direction for the cooperative sector.
With the government pushing for a stronger cooperative ecosystem, the roadmap is likely to focus on expanding access to credit, improving rural infrastructure and creating new opportunities for farmers, women and small entrepreneurs.
Also Read: Akshay Kumar’s Mohra Re-Release To Clash With Rs 4,000 Crore Ramayana This Diwali
