Ministry’s initiative of ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’ to develop a comprehensive seed-to-market value chain for potatoes

Banas Dairy, a part of Amul and Asia’s largest cooperative dairy, and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce and distribute high-quality seed potatoes. The agreement, signed at Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan in New Delhi, was witnessed by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary (Cooperation), Government of India, along with senior officials. Shri Sangram Chaudhary, Managing Director of Banas Dairy, and Shri Chetan Joshi, Managing Director of BBSSL, were also present at the signing ceremony.

Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani stated that the partnership is an important milestone in empowerment and prosperity of farmers by strengthening value chains and boosting productivity.

This partnership aims to establish an comprehensive “seed-to-market” potato value chain that ensures the production of certified, disease-free seed potatoes while promoting scientific cultivation methods, contract farming arrangements, and efficient market linkages. By aligning technological innovation with cooperative strength, the initiative seeks to enhance productivity, reduce input losses, and ultimately raise the income and resilience of potato-growing farmers across the value chain.

Under the MoU, BBSSL will use Banas Dairy’s tissue culture and aeroponic facilities, while Banas Dairy will provide technical and market support. Shri Sangram Chaudhary highlighted Banas Dairy’s “Beyond Dairy” expansion, while Shri Chetan Joshi emphasized boosting self-reliance in seed potatoes.