The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) through its training and education division, the National Centre for Cooperative Education (NCCE) organised a capacity-building session as part of its 5-day Certificate Course titled “Coops4SRD: Sustainable Rural Development.”

Mr. Ganesh Gopal, Lead – Entrepreneurship Development at ICA-AP delivered this session on 12 March 2024 and presented on the ‘International Cooperative Landscape: Recent Developments and Coop Business Model.’

The training organised by NCUI underscored the importance of the cooperative enterprise model and its importance for creating resilient, community-owned structures for sustainable rural development. The session outlined recent developments in the cooperative landscape and shared an understanding of evolving business models. It aimed to equip participants, around 60 agribusiness management students, with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the cooperative sector in India effectively. Given the renewed impetus given to cooperatives in the country, including the mega projects on food security, agricultural exports and high-quality seeds for agriculture, the theme chosen was relevant and timely.

The capacity building program crafted to cater to freshers, students, youth, and cooperative trainers, unfolded an in-depth exploration of essential aspects integral to the establishment and thriving operation of cooperative societies. Encompassing a holistic curriculum, participants delved into topics ranging from the foundational elements of the cooperative business model to the intricate process of Business Model Canvas preparation. Social enterprise dynamics, case studies on campus cooperatives, successful cooperative business models, and an exploration of the key components of cooperative entrepreneurship were also integral components of the comprehensive program.

Mr. Gopal, in his session, elucidated crucial aspects such as the procedural intricacies of forming a cooperative, a comprehensive exploration of the 7 cooperative principles, a comparative analysis distinguishing a company from a cooperative, and the presentation of exemplary cooperative models from sub-domains of the primary sector across the world. The session highlighted the relevance of encouraging youth participation in the cooperative movement, emphasising its resilience during times of crises and uncertainty.

The “Coops4SRD” Certificate course which was tailored for students specialising in agriculture and agribusiness management, seeks to actively engage youth in the cooperative movement. Recognising the potential of young minds to inject fresh perspectives, technological innovations, and enthusiasm into the cooperative sector, the course endeavours to pave the way for a sustainable and fulfilling career for the participants.

Mr. Gopal’s session delved into recent trends and developments shaping the global cooperative landscape. From emerging cooperative examples across the globe to innovative approaches in cooperative governance and management such as digital cooperatives, platform cooperativism, and climate-smart agriculture practices participants gained insights into the evolving dynamics of the cooperative sector. The real-world examples and case studies empowered participants to envision novel strategies for fostering cooperative sustainability, encouraging them to join the movement and seize the opportunity to bring about tangible change in rural development.

Participants at the end of the training engaged in an interactive session where they discussed newer job opportunities, the impact of technology and AI on the cooperative sector, activities of ICA-AP at the regional and international levels and recent policy changes within India’s cooperative sectors. They were also informed of the pivotal role that education and knowledge exchange play in fostering a vibrant, adaptive and resilient cooperative ecosystem.

The session encouraged young students to drive positive change and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of rural communities.