Include Coops and Regional Unions in Margadarshika Guidelines: ERCMPU Tells Centre

KOCHI:
Milma’s Ernakulam Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (ERCMPU) has hailed the Union government’s initiatives towards strengthening the cooperative ecosystem under ‘Sahkar-se-Samriddhi’ (prosperity through cooperation) scheme, but called for the inclusion of state federations and key regional unions in formulating the ‘Margdarshika’ guidelines.

With authorities drafting the Margdarshika (Standard Operating Procedure) for forming two lakh new MPACS (multipurpose primary agriculture cooperatives) and primary dairy/fishery cooperative societies in uncovered or undeserved villages/panchayats, the initiative will motivate the industry and bring hope to marginalized farmers across the country, ERCMPU said in a memorandum to Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah.

However, the collaborative approach can be “successful with stronger participation of the federations and regional unions,” the memorandum said, adding that it can “ensure smoother penetration, better coordination with the farmers and enhanced monitoring for the successful implementation” of these societies.

“As we now look towards White Revolution 2.0, we request the inclusion of state federations and key regional unions in developing the SOPs. By involving regional players, we can ensure that the reach and impact of this programme extend to the farthest corners of the country, offering much-needed support to small and marginal dairy farmers,” ERCMPU Chairman M.T. Jayan, as the government launched a “100 Days Initiatives” in Delhi today.

ERCMPU covers the districts of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki.

Noting that such a measure would pave the way for sustainable growth and long-term viability for these farmers, he expressed ERCMPU’s readiness to contribute and support the government’s initiatives.

“We believe that with strong cooperation between the Central and state governments, state federations, and regional unions, we can collectively work towards a brighter, more prosperous future for India’s dairy farmers,” he said. “We look forward to your consideration of our suggestions and are eager to participate in these transformative programmes.”

The launch of the “100 Days Initiatives” by the Ministry of Cooperation is a significant step towards empowering the cooperative sector, the memorandum said. “The White Revolution was one of India’s most transformative programmes, enabling our country to become the largest milk producer globally.”