Team siliconindia

• Amit Shah highlighted India's cooperatives as innovators in digital services, finance, organic farming, and sustainability, driving inclusive growth.
• India is launching the world’s largest grain storage program through cooperatives to boost food security and farmer income.
• Three new multi-state cooperative societies have been set up to connect Indian farmers with global markets and promote exports.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah highlighted India’s evolving cooperative sector as a dynamic force in driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, during an event marking the International Year of Cooperatives.

In his message to the event themed “Cooperatives and Sustainable Development: Keeping the Momentum and Exploring New Pathways”, Shah stated that cooperatives in India have expanded far beyond their traditional roles and are now pioneering efforts in cutting-edge sectors such as digital services, healthcare, education, energy, organic farming, and financial inclusion.

“Technological innovation is making cooperatives more inclusive today. When we speak of sustainable development, cooperatives are emerging as an effective medium to embody the core principles of the circular economy” he said.

The event was jointly organised by the permanent missions of India, Mongolia, and Kenya at the United Nations. It follows the UN General Assembly’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, aimed at boosting global recognition of cooperatives in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Amit Shah underscored that cooperatives are rooted in India’s age-old cultural values. “For thousands of years, cooperation has been the soul of Indian values. Today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, cooperation has become a people’s movement, guided by the mantra ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation)”, he said.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, also echoed Shah’s views, emphasizing the historical role of cooperatives in India's development and their cultural foundation in ancient Sanskrit philosophy.

Shah further announced that India is developing the world’s largest grain storage programme to be implemented through cooperatives. This initiative aims to boost food security, enable organised markets, and ensure better prices for farmers.

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To connect Indian farmers with international markets and improve their earnings from exports, the government has set up three multi-state cooperative societies:

- Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

- National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)

- National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)

Representatives from Kenya and Mongolia also shared their cooperative experiences. Kenya’s envoy, Ekitela Lokaale, discussed how SACCOs enhance financial inclusion, while Mongolia’s N. Ankhbayar stressed the need for global cooperation to promote cooperative growth.

The event highlighted how cooperatives worldwide are reshaping economies, empowering communities, and driving sustainable development through collective strength.