New Delhi, 13 November: In a major push to strengthen India’s agri–cooperative ecosystem, Banas Dairy and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) on Monday signed an MoU to develop a fully integrated seed-to-market potato value chain. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi”, aimed at transforming farm incomes through cooperative-led growth.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi at Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan in the presence of senior officials, including Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation.
The MoU brings together Asia’s largest cooperative dairy, Banas Dairy, and the national-level seed cooperative BBSSL to jointly produce and distribute high-quality seed potatoes across the country.
Focus on Certified Seeds, Technology & Market Linkages
The partnership aims to overhaul the potato value chain by introducing:
- Certified, disease-free seed production
- Tissue culture & aeroponics-based multiplication systems
- Scientific cultivation practices for farmers
- Contract farming arrangements
- Stronger market linkages from farm to buyers
Under the collaboration, BBSSL will gain access to Banas Dairy’s advanced tissue culture and aeroponic facilities, while Banas Dairy will extend its technical expertise and market support to scale the production ecosystem.
Senior officials highlighted that technology-led cooperative partnerships are central to reducing input losses, boosting productivity, and improving the resilience of small and marginal farmers.
“Beyond Dairy” Strategy Takes Center Stage
Commenting on the agreement, Sangram Chaudhary, Managing Director of Banas Dairy, said the collaboration reflects the cooperative’s “Beyond Dairy” expansion strategy, diversifying into high-value agricultural segments such as seed potatoes.
BBSSL MD Chetan Joshi noted that the initiative will reduce India’s dependence on imported seed potatoes and build domestic self-reliance through cooperative-level innovation.
A Strategic Move for India’s Potato-Growing Regions
With demand for high-quality seed potatoes rising and farmers facing recurrent challenges related to disease, yield and storage losses, the MoU is expected to:
- Improve yields across major potato belts
- Lower cost of cultivation
- Enhance income stability
- Build scalable, technology-driven farming models
Officials said the agreement marks a significant milestone in enabling collaboration among cooperatives—an objective strongly emphasised by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
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