NCUI signing of MoUs with the LAHDC, NCCF and HCSSC

Delhi: A Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was hosted by the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) on 29th November, 2024 in the Board Room of NCUI. NCUI formalized three pivotal collaborations through the signing of MoUs with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), National Consumer Cooperative Federation Ltd. (NCCF), and Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC). 

In his keynote address, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, IAS (Retd.) and Chief Executive of NCUI emphasized the transformative impact of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening the cooperative movement. Dr. Mahajan highlighted the recent initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, and NCUI for building capacities of cooperatives across India.

Dileep Sanghani, President of NCUI and Chief Guest, highlighted the crucial role cooperatives play in India’s prosperity. He reiterated NCUI’s commitment to its vision of Sahkar Se Samridhi by collaborating with like-minded organizations. He emphasized that no work is too small and encouraged everyone to take initiatives that could bring transformative change. He stressed the importance of cooperatives and NGOs working together to uplift marginalized communities, fostering collective learning for a Viksit Bharat.

Guest of Honor, Tashi Gyalson, Hon’ble Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, describing it as a unique and significant occasion for the Ladakh government. He acknowledged Ladakh’s progress toward achieving self-reliance in agriculture and horticulture despite the challenges posed by climate change.

He highlighted key initiatives such as the Ladakh Greenhouse Initiative and Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) that aim to promote organic farming. The potential of solar energy, noting that agriculture is being promoted even in the region’s most extreme areas. He emphasized the need for stronger market linkages to showcase Ladakh’s unique products and empower local artisans—a goal the MoU aims to achieve by onboarding local products to the NCUI haat e-commerce portal.

Additionally, Guest of Honor Smt. Anice Joseph Chandra, IRS, Managing Director of NCCF, described the event as a “win-win” for all stakeholders, highlighting the potential for cross-sector collaboration. She assured NCCF’s support in addressing challenges such as skill development, farm extension programs, distribution, and transportation in Ladakh and other states. Emphasis was also given on the mutual benefits of integrating NCCF products into NCUI’s haat e-commerce portal, paving the way for expanded market opportunities.

Krishan Kumar, CEO of the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC), emphasized the need for NCUI’s assistance in skill gap assessments and technological advancements. He highlighted the role of ISRA India, a partner of NCUI implementing the SuATI project, in spreading awareness about government welfare schemes. also stressed the importance of skill training and value addition to help artisans’ products reach larger markets. 

Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, DC/CEO of LAHDC, recognized the vital role cooperatives play in Ladakh’s development, particularly in the agriculture, dairy, and handloom sectors. He emphasized the need for training programs, exposure tools, and marketing support to further strengthen Ladakh’s cooperative ecosystem. Adding to the vision, Sh. Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor of LAHDC, discussed the Organic Ladakh mission, which aims to promote organic farming in Ladakh by 2026. He highlighted that NCUI’s partnership would facilitate better marketing and linkages for organic products, thereby uplifting the livelihoods of local farmers.

The event saw the participation of other prominent delegates like Ambassador (Dr.) Parvinder Singh, Founder, Page3 News Worldwide and Ramachandran, Ex-director, IFFCO. Sh. Sumit Singh, Advisor – Strategy and Cooperation at NCUI, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honor, Special Guests, delegates, and all participants for coming together on this significant occasion. He highlighted the progress made in Ladakh over the past three months, including the training of numerous women and the formation of more than 30 cooperatives with support of social organizations like Art of Living, Himalayan Volunteering Tourism, and Samaarambh Foundation.

After the event, officials from LAHDC, NCCF, HCSSC, and other delegates held a detailed discussion with the Chairperson and Chief Executive of NCUI to explore future collaborations and develop a roadmap for strengthening the cooperative movement and empowering local communities.