Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the ”Sahakar Mitra” scheme, a novel concept to train young professionals through opportunity of practical exposure and learning from the working of NCDC and cooperatives as a paid intern. “The move will churn out trained co-op professionals every year, thereby helping in the professionalization of the co-op sector in a big way”, said an expert.
The Sahakar Mitra scheme is expected to assist cooperative institutions access new and innovative ideas of young professionals while the interns gain experience of working in the field giving confidence to be self-reliant. It is expected to be a win-win situation both for cooperatives as well as for the young professionals, claims a press release from the NCDC.
Under the scheme, professional graduates in disciplines such as Agriculture and allied areas, IT etc. will be eligible for internship. Professionals who are pursuing or have completed their MBA degrees in Agri-business, Cooperation, Finance, International Trade, Forestry, Rural Development, Project Management etc will also be eligible.
NCDC has earmarked funds for Sahakar Mitra paid internship program under which each intern will get financial support over a 4 months internship period. Online application portal for internship applications available on NCDC website, was also launched by the Union Agriculture Minister.
The Sahakar Mitra scheme on internship program has been launched in response to prime minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for local for vocal, explained an NCDC official.
Lauding the role being played by NCDC in achieving the PM’s vision of doubling farmers’ income, Union Minister Tomar said “NCDC has embarked upon series of initiatives in the cooperative sector entrepreneurship development ecosystem through capacity development, paid internship to youth and assured project loans on liberalized terms to young cooperators on start-up mode.
The Minister further said NCDC has been proactive in delivering innovative solutions for the cooperative sector.
NCDC has also introduced a complimentary scheme to promote start-up cooperatives ventures. Sahakar Mitra would also provide an opportunity to professionals from academic institutions to develop leadership and entrepreneurial roles through cooperatives as Farmers Producers Organizations (FPO), the minister noted.
Dear Sir,
NCDC has taken a very good practical approach, which will benefit rural youth, especially migrants thus preventing urbanisation and other consequences.
This also avoids exploitation of farmers by middle men in agribusiness.
Right decision at right time.
Being part of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Poultry Sector also will be benefitted.
Last but not the least, you’ve announced that Professionals from Institutions will also be engaged in Leadership role.. Hats off!