A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between National Co-operative Organics Limited (NCOL) and the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board (UOCB) in New Delhi on Thursday in the presence of Union Minister Amit Shah, MoS Krishna Pal Gurjar, Uttarakhand’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Ganesh Joshi, and Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation.
In his address on the occasion, Shah highlighted that PM Narendra Modi has set a goal to prepare the vast cultivable lands of India for organic farming, a movement that has now reached a crucial stage. He emphasized that cooperatives play a significant role in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of making India the world’s largest producer of organic food.
Shah reiterated that one of the key strategies for doubling farmers’ income is the promotion of organic farming. He pointed out that there is a growing global demand for organic products, and by tapping into this market, India’s farmers can significantly increase their share in this profitable business, thereby boosting their incomes.
He also connected the health benefits of organic farming with the well-being of citizens, explaining that chemicals from fertilizers contribute to various diseases and degrade soil quality. In contrast, organic farming enhances groundwater levels, conserves water, improves crop yields, and promotes better health for consumers. Despite these advantages, organic farming had not been adequately promoted in the past.
The Minister of Cooperation noted the previous lack of a robust mechanism to ensure the quality of organic products, which often led to farmers not receiving fair prices. To address this, the Modi government established NCOL. Shah announced that NCOL, in collaboration with Amul, will set up a nationwide network of international-standard laboratories to test organic soil and products. These initiatives will guarantee the quality of organic products under the trusted ‘Bharat’ and ‘Amul’ brands.
Looking ahead, Shah expressed confidence that with NCOL’s formation, profits from organic products will soon be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the farmers. He stated that this is feasible within the cooperative framework, and within a few years, the ‘Bharat’ brand will offer a wide range of vegetarian food products.
He also stressed that the ‘Bharat’ brand’s organic products will be both high-quality and affordable, as the cooperative’s goal is not profit but to increase farmers’ incomes. Shah urged farmers engaged in organic farming nationwide to join NCOL, assuring them that the government will purchase their organic rice, pulses, and wheat. He outlined plans for NCOL to establish a seamless system to transfer profits directly to farmers’ bank accounts, similar to the successful dairy sector model, which benefits millions of farmers through cooperatives.
Finally, Amit Shah encouraged Uttarakhand farmers to fully transition to organic farming and inspire others to adopt natural farming practices. He urged them to stop using chemical fertilizers and commit to making their fields completely organic.
Shah concluded by emphasizing that Prime Minister Modi aims to make India the world’s leading producer of organic food. To support this goal, the government has also established the National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL), which will promote the ‘Bharat’ brand globally.
