(a) the details of fruits and vegetables co-operatives set up/proposed to be set up in
the country;
(b) the details of employment generated from such co-operatives;
(c) whether the interests of small farmers are being protected from the emerging
urban retail outlets by such co-operatives and network of self-help groups;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the likely impact of such linkages?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (e): Promotion of co-operatives is guided by the provisions of the Co-
operative Societies Act of the respective States. Information on co-operatives
registered in the States is not maintained centrally. Central Registrar has not registered
any multi state fruit and vegetable co-operative in the country. However, National
Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has provided assistance under its
schemes to 55 fruit and vegetable units in 17 States under cooperative sector. These
units have created direct employment for 900 and indirect employment for 2500
persons. Such linkages have helped protect the interests of farmers by reducing
wastages and preventing distress sale of produce.
Further, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture is
implementing National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Technology Mission for
Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North Eastern States including Sikkim
and the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal (TMNE) for
holistic development of horticulture sector duly ensuring horizontal and vertical
linkages with the active participation of all the stake-holders. Under these schemes,
financial assistance is provided for taking up various activities related to development
of fruits and vegetables for which assistance can also be availed by co-operatives.