Promoting Agriculture Cooperatives in Hilly Areas

Why in news

The Ministry of Cooperation is actively promoting cooperative agriculture, horticulture, and marketing of allied products in hilly states, including the establishment of new NCDC offices and the formation of BBSSL for seed distribution.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Ministry of Cooperation is assisting hilly states in promoting cooperative agriculture, horticulture, and marketing of allied products.
2. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is the statutory corporation under the Ministry of Cooperation disbursing financial assistance.
3. New offices of NCDC are being established in hilly and remote areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
4. Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) has been established as a multi-state cooperative society to provide quality, certified, and affordable seeds.
5. BBSSL has signed MoUs with several North-Eastern states and UTs for expanding the availability and marketing of quality seeds under the 'Bharat Beej' brand.

Prelims pointers

• Ministry of Cooperation is promoting cooperative agriculture in hilly states.
• National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation.
• Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) is a multi-state cooperative society for seed distribution.
• New NCDC offices are being set up in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and several North-Eastern states.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of promoting cooperative agriculture in hilly regions of India. What steps are being taken by the government to strengthen these cooperatives and what challenges might they face?

Static linkage

The initiative relates to cooperative federalism and the role of the Ministry of Cooperation in strengthening cooperative institutions, particularly in challenging geographical terrains. It also touches upon agricultural policy and rural development.

Significance

Promoting cooperatives in hilly areas can address challenges related to fragmented landholdings, limited market access, and the need for specialized agricultural practices. The establishment of NCDC offices and BBSSL aims to improve infrastructure, service delivery, and access to quality inputs, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in these regions. This can lead to better resource utilization and economic development in remote areas.