National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)

The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) is one of the most important initiatives in India’s cooperative sector. It has been set up to link the cooperative model of India with global markets and make Indian cooperative products competitive worldwide. For aspirants preparing for APPSC and other competitive exams, NCEL is a must-know topic under the Economy, Agriculture, and Cooperative Sector syllabus.

• National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) is a national-level multi-state cooperative dedicated to exports.
• It was approved by the Union Government and formally registered on 25 January 2023 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
• NCEL’s guiding vision is “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (prosperity through cooperation).
• It aims to bring India’s cooperative produce such as rice, sugar, spices, marine products, fruits, and vegetables into international markets.

NCEL has been promoted by five leading cooperatives of India:

1. IFFCO – Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited
2. KRIBHCO – Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited
3. NAFED – National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.
4. GCMMF (Amul) – Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
5. NCDC – National Cooperative Development Corporation
   • Initial paid-up capital: ₹500 crore (₹100 crore each by the five promoters)
   • Authorised share capital: ₹2,000 crore

Objectives of NCEL

• Act as nodal agency for cooperative exports
• Ensure fair prices for farmers and producers
• Handle procurement, storage, processing, packaging, certification, branding & marketing
• Provide finance, training, skill development, and market intelligence
• Build global branding and labelling standards for cooperative products

Achievements Till 2025

• Membership: 11,034 cooperatives (including 10,793 PACS)
• Exports: 13.49 lakh metric tonnes worth ₹5,403.01 crore (2023–2025, till Aug)
• Export destinations: 28 countries
• Major commodities exported: Rice, onions, sugar, baby food, processed food, spices, tea, shrimp, cereals
• Turnover 2024–25: ₹4,283 crore
• Net profit: ₹122 crore
• Dividend: 20% paid to member cooperatives in 2023–24
• MoUs signed: 61 with importers from Senegal, Indonesia, Nepal

NCEL Future Targets

• ₹2 lakh crore exports in the coming years
• Open NCEL offices in Africa & Myanmar for global trade support
• Develop special export opportunities – sugar, aromatic rice, organic cotton, vegetables for Gulf countries
• Build a dedicated website to showcase demand-supply details for cooperative members

mportance of NCEL for Exams

• t connects agriculture, economy, and cooperative sectors
• It is part of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” & “Make in India” vision
• It reflects the role of cooperatives in export growth
• It supports employment generation, rural development, and foreign exchange earnings

The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) represents a transformative step in India’s cooperative movement. By acting as a bridge between local producers and global markets, it not only enhances exports but also ensures fair prices, rural employment, and economic growth. For APPSC and other competitive exams, understanding NCEL’s structure, objectives, and achievements is essential to writing comprehensive answers on cooperatives, agriculture, and economic reforms.

Source: PIB

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