In a significant boost to the cooperative movement, a Talwara-based cooperative society has procured litchis directly from local farmers and facilitated their export to international markets, describing the initiative as a milestone in expanding global opportunities for agricultural producers and rural women.
The initiative was undertaken by Unnati Cooperative Society, which said the direct procurement model has created new marketing avenues for farmers while strengthening the role of women associated with the cooperative sector.
Jyoti Swaroop Sharma, Founder and Managing Director of the society, said members of the Unnati Behan Agri Allied Multistate Cooperative Society purchased the fruit directly from growers before coordinating its export overseas.
He said the effort demonstrated how a cooperative-led approach could connect Indian farm produce with international buyers while ensuring better returns for cultivators.
Sharma said the initiative reflected the potential of cooperative institutions to improve the economic prospects of both farmers and women members. He added that such models could help producers secure better market access and fair prices while opening the door to global trade opportunities.
He further said the success of the project highlighted the importance of coordination between cooperative organisations and government agencies in strengthening agricultural exports and creating sustainable income opportunities for farming communities.
Expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved, Sharma thanked the farmers, women members of the cooperative, partner institutions and the Union Ministry of Cooperation for supporting the initiative.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry for providing technical guidance, training and post-harvest support that helped make the export initiative possible.