With the approval of the Union Cabinet, the Ministry of Cooperation has established three national-level multi-state cooperative societies: National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) for exports, National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) for organic produce, and Bharatiya Beej 0Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) for quality seeds. These societies are registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. Cooperative societies at all levels- from PACS to Apex- are eligible to become their members.

These societies are undertaking coordinated efforts with all States to enhance awareness in the identified sectors and to facilitate the enrolment of all cooperative societies, including PACS, as members. Under this initiative, NCEL, BBSSL, and NCOL have enrolled a total of 15,790, 34,078, and 11,822 members, respectively, across the country.

A total of 140, 451 and 139 PACSs have become members of NCEL, BBSSL and  NCOL, respectively, in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Out of these 15 PACSs from NCEL, 12 PACSs from BBSSL and 04 PACSs from NCOL are from Shimla.

At present, no separate or special fast-track scheme for connecting small and marginal farmers has been notified. However, these three cooperative societies are working to expand membership and activities through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with nodal agencies nominated by all States, thereby ensuring that small and marginal farmers who become members derive direct benefits

Establishment and accreditation of laboratories are being undertaken by APEDA and FSSAI, and NCOL, in coordination with the concerned Ministries and agencies, is facilitating the further empanelment and utilization of these laboratories, including at the district level, to support organic certification under NPOP standards.

(e) BBSSL and NCOL are working through nodal agencies in the States/UTs to promote and expand ‘Bharat Beej’ and ‘Bharat Organics’ products, respectively. Nodal agencies have been nominated by 31 States for NCOL and by 26 States for BBSSL. Out of these, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with 22 nodal agencies for NCOL and 14 nodal agencies for BBSSL. Efforts are ongoing to onboard cooperative societies from the remaining States and UTs.

This information was given by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

 

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