The Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific (NEDAC), chaired by India’s National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), convened a significant stakeholder meeting aimed at redefining the identity and future direction of agricultural cooperatives across the Asia-Pacific region. The leadership of NCDC underscored India’s growing role in shaping cooperative policy and fostering regional collaboration in the sector.
It bears recalling that the NEDAC Delegation is organizing a five-day international study tour to Manila, Philippines, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening strategic partnerships, and exploring globally recognized best practices in cooperative development.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Labour Organization, along with regional cooperative bodies like the International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific. Under NCDC’s chairmanship, the forum emphasized strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation to address emerging challenges in agriculture.
In his address, Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Philippines representative highlighted the urgent need for deeper cooperation within the agricultural ecosystem. He stressed that the true identity of cooperatives lies in their ability to collaborate effectively while embracing modern technology. He pointed out that integrating digital tools and innovative practices can significantly enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability for farmers.
Reinforcing this vision, Alexander B. Raquepo Chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) delivered a keynote speech focusing on strengthening cooperative value chains. He emphasized that cooperatives must create shared value at every stage, from production to market access, ensuring inclusive benefits for all members. He also called for increased exchange of ideas and best practices among Asia-Pacific cooperatives, a priority strongly supported by NCDC’s leadership within NEDAC.
With NCDC at the helm, the meeting highlighted a strategic shift toward positioning cooperatives as dynamic and future-ready institutions. Discussions focused on digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth, reflecting a collective recognition that cooperatives must evolve to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global environment.
Participants noted that NCDC’s chairmanship of NEDAC provides an opportunity to strengthen regional integration and knowledge-sharing, leveraging India’s extensive experience in cooperative development. The organization’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in driving policies that promote sustainability, empower farmers, and enhance market linkages across borders.
The meeting also served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, enabling stakeholders to exchange insights and develop actionable strategies. By prioritizing technology adoption and cooperative synergy, NEDAC aims to build a more resilient agricultural sector capable of addressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and rural livelihoods.
As the cooperative movement navigates an era of transformation, the NEDAC stakeholder meeting, under the leadership of India’s NCDC, sent a clear message: the future of agriculture depends on stronger cooperation, innovation, and shared value creation. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to guide future regional initiatives and reinforce the role of cooperatives as key drivers of sustainable development.