Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has directed the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) to set an ambitious export target of Rs. 2 lakh crore. The directive includes identifying new export opportunities for sugar, aromatic rice, organic cotton, and coarse grains. Additionally, Shah emphasized the need to expand the cooperative's operations to global markets like Africa and Myanmar and proposed a focus on high-demand agricultural products such as fresh vegetables and pulses. These efforts aim to boost the turnover of cooperatives and enhance India's position in global markets.
Expanding the Export Horizon: A New Vision for NCEL
In a significant move to bolster India’s cooperative export sector, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah set a monumental target for the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL)—Rs. 2 lakh crore in exports. The directive came during a high-level review meeting held in New Delhi, where Shah emphasized the need for NCEL to identify specific products currently not being exported from India, such as sugar from cooperative mills, aromatic rice from Tripura, organic cotton, and coarse grains.
The NCEL, which operates under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, has already shown commendable growth, reporting a turnover of Rs. 4,283 crore and a net profit of Rs. 122 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Expanding its footprint to 28 countries and forging strategic agreements with international importers in regions like Senegal, Indonesia, and Nepal, the cooperative has laid a solid foundation for further internationalization. However, Minister Shah’s directive marks a push for even greater achievements in global trade.
Key Product Export Opportunities and Strategic Markets
Minister Shah has urged NCEL to explore specific export avenues that are not currently capitalized upon by India’s cooperative sector. Among the suggestions were the export of sugar from cooperative mills, a product with significant untapped potential. Sugar exports, especially from cooperative mills, are poised for growth, considering the increasing global demand for natural sweeteners.
Additionally, Shah proposed expanding the export of aromatic rice from Tripura—a product known for its premium quality—and exploring the export potential of organic cotton, an area where India has considerable expertise and a growing international demand. Another focus area is coarse grains, which have seen rising consumption in global markets, particularly in Europe and the U.S. As part of the strategic market expansion, Shah also recommended developing partnerships with large companies to export fresh vegetables to Gulf countries and special potato varieties.
Africa and Myanmar: Expanding NCEL’s Global Footprint
One of the boldest moves in Shah's plan is the establishment of NCEL offices in Africa and Myanmar, specifically aimed at pulses imports. Africa, with its growing population and demand for pulses, represents a high-potential market for Indian agricultural exports. Myanmar, with its geographical proximity and trade ties to India, also presents a lucrative opportunity for NCEL to expand its reach.
Shah’s recommendation to route all exports of cooperative institutions through NCEL aims to streamline operations and boost efficiency. By doing so, the Minister envisions a significant increase in the turnover, with an expected contribution of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 crore coming back to cooperatives, thereby benefiting a wide array of local producers and farmers.
Expanding the Role of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)
In addition to boosting the export sector through NCEL, Shah also set ambitious targets for the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL). The cooperative, which markets organic products under the “Bharat Organics” brand, has already gained traction in domestic markets through platforms like Amul and BigBasket. Shah has set a turnover target of over Rs. 300 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26 for NCOL, a considerable increase from its current position.
The Minister also indicated that soon, NCOL’s products will be available in Reliance stores across India, expanding their market reach further. To enhance production, Shah urged NCOL to form groups of certified organic farmers at the state level and integrate them more effectively into the national organic supply chain. This step aims to ensure consistent quality and meet the growing demand for organic products in both domestic and international markets.
Strengthening Agricultural Production: BBSSL’s Role
The Indian Seed Cooperative Society Limited (BBSSL), also known as "Seeds of India," plays a vital role in the agricultural ecosystem, particularly in the development of high-yielding crop varieties. Minister Shah emphasized the need to focus on the development of sugarcane varieties with high sugar content and low water requirements, as well as crop varieties that are suited to arid conditions.
BBSSL’s newly established Seed Research Centre in Kalol, Gujarat, will focus on developing high-yielding, low-maturity crop varieties, particularly for tur, urad, and maize. These crops are essential for ensuring food security in India and also serve as valuable export commodities.
Additionally, Shah encouraged BBSSL to advance tissue culture facilities, especially for the top 10 banana-producing states. These facilities will ensure the availability of high-quality plants with the best genetic potential, which is crucial for enhancing banana production and meeting both domestic and international market demand.
Fostering Growth in Seed Production for Processing Varieties
Minister Shah's vision also includes increasing seed production for specific processing varieties, particularly potatoes for French fries. As part of the Seed Production Programme for Processing Varieties, BBSSL is expected to work closely with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Amul’s extensive network to ensure the availability of processing-grade seeds.
Shah stressed the importance of collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the timely availability of breeder seeds, which are essential for maintaining the quality and consistency of agricultural production. These strategic moves are designed to provide a steady supply of high-quality crops, boost India’s food processing industry, and support export growth.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for Cooperatives to Boost India’s Global Trade
Amit Shah’s ambitious roadmap for India’s national cooperative institutions aims to dramatically expand the country’s agricultural exports. By focusing on untapped products, exploring new global markets, and streamlining operations, the cooperative sector is set to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and establishing India as a global leader in agricultural trade.
The establishment of NCEL offices abroad, the push for organic product exports, and the development of high-yielding, water-efficient crops all point to a future where India’s cooperatives will have an even more significant presence in international markets. As Shah’s plan takes shape, the cooperative sector could contribute greatly to India’s goal of becoming a global export powerhouse, with the potential for sustainable growth and economic empowerment across the agricultural value chain.
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