Raipur, Chhattisgarh [India] – In a landmark move to boost the organic food market and empower tribal farmers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a collaborative initiative between the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Amul. The partnership aims to provide certified organic food to the Indian public, ensuring fair returns for farmers and strengthening consumer trust in organic products.
The Vision Behind the Initiative
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCOL, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Chhattisgarh Government, Shah highlighted the need for transparency and certification in the organic food sector.
“A lot of products started appearing in the market claiming to be organic, but people remained doubtful,” Shah stated. “While consumers were ready to pay a premium, there was no certification system in place. Farmers, in turn, could not receive fair prices as consumers were unsure about the authenticity of the products.”
To address this issue, NCOL was established, bringing together two leading cooperative brands: the Bharat brand of NCOL and Amul. These brands will now deliver tested and certified organic food, providing a trusted platform for consumers and a stable income for farmers. Over the next four years, thoroughly tested organic grains will be introduced in Indian markets across every district.
Certified Organic Products for Every Indian Household
Currently, 16 organic products under the Bharat and Amul brands are available online. Shah assured the public that every product under these labels is thoroughly tested and certified.
“Whenever you buy a product from the Bharat or Amul brand, you can be assured of its quality and authenticity,” Shah said. “This initiative will uplift Adivasi farmers by giving them direct market access and better earnings for their organic produce.”
NCOL: A Game-Changer for Organic Farmers
Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, on January 25, 2024, NCOL is an umbrella organisation that manages the supply chain of organic products produced by cooperative societies across India. Its objectives include:
- Enhancing Farmer Returns: Providing direct market access to farmers and producers.
- National and International Branding: Leveraging branding to ensure better earnings for organic produce.
- Comprehensive Support: Financing, capacity building, technical guidance, and developing market intelligence systems for cooperatives.
- Research and Development: Creating a knowledge repository and driving innovation in the organic sector.
Empowering Adivasi Farmers in Chhattisgarh
This initiative is particularly focused on uplifting Adivasi farmers in Chhattisgarh, helping them transition to certified organic farming and access larger markets. By reducing the trust deficit and promoting authentic organic products, the government aims to create a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.
Collaborative Strength
NCOL is jointly promoted by three major cooperative organisations—the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd (NCCF), the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED)—along with two statutory bodies, NDDB and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
With approximately 2,000 cooperative societies already joining or applying for membership, NCOL is poised to revolutionise the organic food sector in India. The organisation’s ‘Whole of Government Approach’ ensures seamless collaboration with various ministries to aggregate, brand, and market organic products.
Conclusion
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement marks a significant step towards empowering farmers, enhancing consumer trust, and promoting sustainable agriculture in India. With NCOL and Amul leading the charge, India’s organic food market is set to grow, benefiting both producers and consumers. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to holistic development, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
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