National Academy of Agricultural Sciences

International Workshop
on
Best Practices in Agricultural Cooperatives in the Global Arena: Empowering Cooperatives in India for Sustainable Economic Growth and Rural Transformation

The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly organized an International Workshop on “Best Practices in Agricultural Cooperatives in the Global Arena: Empowering Cooperatives in India for Sustainable Economic Growth and Rural Transformation”on December 15–16, 2025 at NAAS, NASC Complex, New Delhi.

The inaugural programme was conducted on December 15, 2025, which began with a welcome address by Dr. W.S. Lakra, Secretary, NAAS, followed by an overview of the workshop by Prof. K.M. Maredia, Foreign Secretary, NAAS. Dr. P.K. Joshi, Vice President, NAAS, underscored the transformative role of agricultural cooperatives in enhancing farmers’ income, inclusiveness, and market access.

While delivering the inaugural address as Chief Guest, Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, emphasized that the cooperatives are pivotal to achieving sustainable agricultural growth, rural prosperity, and food security. He highlighted the need for innovation-driven, market-oriented, and technology-enabled cooperatives, aligned with global best practices, climate resilience, and value-chain integration. Dr. Jat also stressed the importance of capacity building, digitalization, and strong institutional linkages to empower farmer collectives and realize India’s vision of a resilient and inclusive rural economy. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI.

International perspectives were shared by Mr Peter Lemmer (USA), Mr Douglas Dwight Chapin (USA), Mr Binay Agarwal (France), Dr Honest Kessy (Tanzania), Ms Maria Victoria S. Anahaw (Philippines), Mr Klever José Coral (Brazil), Dr Romi Novriadi (Indonesia), Mr J.L. Chaminda (Sri Lanka), and Ms Sunita Nhemaphuki (Nepal), who highlighted successful cooperative models, innovations in governance, financing, digitalization, and market integration.

Indian experiences were presented by experts from diverse cooperative sectors, including NDDB, Horticulture,Sugar Cooperatives, Fisheries, IFFCO, NAFED, Mulkanoor Cooperative, and IRADA showcasing the role of cooperatives in enhancing farmers’ income, livelihoods, and rural development.The workshop also featured experience sharing by Professional Associations of Agricultural Sciences (PAAS) and breakout group discussions, followed by a panel discussion on the way forward for strengthening agricultural cooperatives.

The deliberations underscored the need for innovation-driven, market-oriented, and technology-enabled cooperatives, supported by strong institutional linkages, capacity building, and policy support, to strengthen India’s cooperative ecosystem and advance sustainable rural transformation.