In a significant move to strengthen transparency in the cooperative seed sector, the Ministry of Cooperation has authorised Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) to undertake Aadhaar authentication to verify the identity of farmers registering on its digital platform.
Through a notification, the Ministry has permitted BBSSL to use Aadhaar authentication during farmer registration and approval on its digital platform. The objective is to ensure that only genuine farmers participate in seed procurement and distribution through the portal.
The authorisation follows approval granted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on April 24, 2026, after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
However, the notification makes it clear that Aadhaar authentication will be entirely voluntary. BBSSL must obtain the consent of the Aadhaar number holder before carrying out authentication.
Importantly, farmers cannot be denied services for refusing or being unable to undergo Aadhaar authentication. The Ministry has also specified two alternative means of identification: the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card and the Voter Identity Card.
The notification has been issued under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, read with the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
The authorisation is specifically limited to identity verification during farmer registration and approval on BBSSL’s digital platform. Aadhaar authentication is not mandatory, and farmers retain the option of using the prescribed alternative identification documents.
The notification came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Meanwhile, BBSSL’s financial performance has registered a sharp improvement since its formation. The cooperative recorded revenue of nearly Rs 222 crore in 2025-26, compared with approximately Rs 59.25 crore in 2024-25. The government had earlier reported a profit of Rs 28 lakh for FY 2024-25.
Established in January 2023 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, BBSSL was promoted by five leading cooperative institutions, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NDDB and NCDC, with each initially contributing Rs 50 crore.
The cooperative has an authorised share capital of Rs 500 crore and a paid-up share capital of Rs 250 crore. KRIBHCO is its chief promoter.
