The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), under the Ministry of Cooperation, has launched the Sahakar Mitra Internship Scheme, aimed at providing young professionals with hands-on experience in the cooperative sector, informed Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The initiative seeks to deepen their understanding of NCDC’s role, cooperative business models, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
The scheme is open to graduates in fields such as Agriculture, Dairy, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries, Horticulture, Textiles, Handloom, and IT. Additionally, candidates pursuing or completing an MBA in Agri-Business, Cooperative Management, M.Com, MCA, Finance, Rural Development, Project Management, or related disciplines are eligible.
Those with Inter ICAI or Inter ICWA qualifications may also apply, provided they are recommended by their institutions. Selection is based on bio-data and institutional endorsement.
Through the Sahakar Mitra scheme, interns gain practical exposure to NCDC’s operations while assisting cooperatives in business planning and project development. The program also encourages young professionals to explore entrepreneurial and leadership roles in FPOs and support the growth of start-up cooperatives.
The scheme is part of NCDC’s broader cooperative development initiatives, which span multiple sectors, including agro-processing, storage, cold chains, textiles, dairy, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, rural housing, and healthcare. By integrating youth-driven innovation into the cooperative framework, the program aims to enhance the socio-economic impact of cooperatives across India.
