The Union Minister of Cooperation stated that they would play a crucial role in fostering prosperity, peace, and security in Chhattisgarh in the coming years.

At event aimed at boosting the minor forest produce and dairy sectors in Chhattisgarh, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah oversaw the signing of two pivotal agreements today. These initiatives, rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation), aim to expand the cooperative sector and bring transformative changes to the state’s rural economy.

Addressing the event, Amit Shah emphasized the transformative potential of these agreements. He highlighted their alignment with the government’s broader goals of promoting organic farming, empowering tribal communities, and enhancing dairy production across the country. Shah noted that these steps are crucial for Chhattisgarh, a state with significant tribal and rural populations, and reiterated that cooperation is a key driver of prosperity and a critical tool in overcoming the challenges posed by Naxalism.

Promoting Organic Farming and Minor Forest Produce

The first agreement, signed between the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading and Development) Cooperative Federation Limited (CGMFPFED) and the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), focuses on the certification and promotion of organic forest produce. Shah underlined the challenges faced by farmers and tribal communities due to the lack of a proper certification system for organic products. This gap, he explained, has prevented genuine organic producers from securing fair prices for their goods.

Shah stated that the Modi government has taken decisive steps to address these issues. With NCOL’s support, tribal farmers will now benefit from a robust certification process, ensuring that their products, including wild forest honey, tamarind, cashew, chironji, mahua, and coarse grains, meet global organic standards. These certified products will be marketed under the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand, both domestically and internationally, opening new avenues for tribal farmers to increase their incomes.

“Within the next four years, certified organic grains will be available in every district of India,” Shah announced, detailing plans for soil testing and organic verification systems to build consumer trust and expand market opportunities. He also praised the success of organic farming models in Gujarat, where farmers have adopted innovative practices to achieve higher yields without chemical fertilizers, significantly enhancing their earnings.

Boosting Dairy Cooperatives in Chhattisgarh

The second agreement, signed between the Chhattisgarh Government, the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Dairy Federation, and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), seeks to revolutionize the dairy sector in the state. Shah highlighted the untapped potential for dairy cooperatives in Chhattisgarh and emphasized the importance of establishing dairy societies in every village.

The agreement aims to expand the number of dairy cooperative societies from 650 to 3,850, while creating 3,200 additional multipurpose primary dairy cooperative societies. This will lead to a dramatic increase in milk collection capacity—from the current 79,000 kilograms to 5 lakh kilograms per day—and milk processing capacity, which will triple to 4 lakh litres per day. Liquid milk sales are also expected to grow tenfold, reaching 4 lakh litres per day.

“This initiative is not just about increasing milk production,” Shah explained. “It is about empowering women, particularly in areas that have been freed from Naxalism, and ensuring that they have sustainable livelihoods. Freeing women from exploitation through cooperatives is both our duty and a moral responsibility.”

The NDDB will provide managerial and technical support for the project without charging service fees, ensuring the initiative remains cost-effective. Funding will come from Central Government schemes, loans from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and contributions from the State Government. This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen the state’s dairy infrastructure and improve the livelihoods of milk-producing farmers.

Overcoming Challenges and Building a Cooperative Model

Amit Shah emphasized the broader impact of these initiatives on Chhattisgarh’s socio-economic landscape. He noted that cooperation is a powerful tool not only for economic growth but also for fostering peace and security in the state. “Cooperation is playing a significant role in overcoming Naxalism in Chhattisgarh,” Shah remarked, highlighting how the cooperative movement can bring prosperity to previously conflict-ridden areas.

The agreements will also encourage sustainable harvesting practices for forest produce, ensuring ecological balance alongside economic progress. Tribal self-help groups involved in the collection and processing of minor forest produce will receive training and support, further enhancing their capabilities and market access.

Expanding Opportunities and Ensuring Sustainability

Shah expressed optimism about the growing global demand for organic products, which he sees as an opportunity for Indian farmers. By promoting certified organic produce and connecting tribal communities to international markets, the Modi government aims to improve farmers’ incomes and lifestyles.

He urged the Chhattisgarh Government to take proactive steps in implementing these agreements, emphasizing the importance of timely execution. Shah envisioned a system where every farmer becomes an active member of a cooperative institution, fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of development reach the grassroots level.

The Union Minister of Cooperation concluded his address by expressing confidence in the transformative potential of these agreements. He stated that they would play a crucial role in fostering prosperity, peace, and security in Chhattisgarh in the coming years. Shah assured that the Union Ministry of Cooperation would prioritize Chhattisgarh in its efforts to expand cooperative networks and provide the necessary support for their success.

The agreements signed today mark a significant step toward realizing the vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ and transforming Chhattisgarh into a model state for cooperative development. By strengthening the minor forest produce and dairy sectors, these initiatives promise to bring lasting benefits to the state’s tribal and rural communities, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.