Assam Signs MoU to Boost Cooperative Exports
Farmers to gain from global market access
The Assam State Cooperative Federation (ASCOF) and National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to elevate Assam’s agricultural and allied products onto the global stage. The agreement aims to strengthen the cooperative movement by creating a robust ecosystem for exporting Assam’s unique produce, including premium rice varieties, edible bamboo, ginger, and turmeric, known for their quality and distinctiveness.
The MoU, aligned with the Ministry of Cooperation’s vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), focuses on structured marketing, brand-building, and streamlined export processes. It seeks to empower grassroots institutions like Farmer Producer Cooperatives (FPCs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), ensuring farmers are stakeholders, not just laborers, in the export value chain. This participatory model is designed to boost incomes, promote sustainable livelihoods, and drive inclusive economic growth in Assam’s rural areas.
Assam’s agricultural sector, contributing 20% to the state’s GDP and employing over 50% of its workforce, stands to benefit significantly. In 2024, Assam’s agricultural exports were valued at ₹2,100 crore, with rice and spices forming a major share. The partnership with NCEL, backed by promoters like Amul and IFFCO, aims to double this figure by 2030 through targeted market access and quality certifications.
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The initiative supports India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision by enhancing rural economies and positioning Assam as a key player in India’s $50 billion cooperative export market. By fostering “cooperation among cooperatives,” the MoU promises to unlock new opportunities for Assam’s 9,455 registered cooperative societies, strengthening their global competitiveness.
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