As part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 celebrations, the ICA-AP Committee on Credit and Banking organised a multi-day Cooperative Learning Visit to Indian Credit and Banking Cooperatives from 21st to 24th July 2025. The programme was jointly hosted by the National Federation of State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (NAFCARD) and the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) and brought together a diverse group of cooperative banking leaders from Jordan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Nepal.

The learning visit was designed to provide delegates with immersive exposure to India’s cooperative finance ecosystem through interactions with national apex bodies, cooperative banks, and sector leaders. The initiative offered a platform to reflect on shared challenges, exchange ideas, and explore practical models for advancing cooperative credit and financial inclusion across the Asia-Pacific region.

Day One: Orientation and National-Level Engagement in New Delhi

The visit commenced at the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) office in New Delhi, where delegates were warmly received by Mr. Kulbhushan Kukreja, Director of Administration and Finance. A welcome message on behalf of Mr. Balu Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP, was delivered by Ms. Simren Singh, highlighting the significance of peer learning and cross-country engagement during the International Year of Cooperatives.

The orientation session at ICA-AP offered a broad regional overview, introducing participants to the Alliance’s work across policy, research, training, youth engagement, gender equity, and cooperative development in the Asia-Pacific. Delegates also explored the diversity of cooperative models across countries and discussed emerging challenges and opportunities in cooperative finance.

Following this, the delegation visited the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. NCDC officials presented the organisation’s strategic role in financing cooperative enterprises across sectors, with a focus on agriculture, marketing, and processing. Delegates engaged in dialogue on structured credit, project financing, creditworthiness evaluation, and state-level coordination mechanisms for cooperative development.

The next stop was the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), the apex organisation for cooperative education and training in India. The visit included discussions on institutional capacity-building, member awareness, and leadership development within the cooperative movement. Delegates learned about NCUI’s national network of training centres and its efforts to mainstream cooperative values among youth and future leaders.

As part of the NCUI visit, delegates also toured the branch of The Delhi State Cooperative Bank Ltd. located on the premises. This interaction provided a practical look into the functioning of an urban cooperative bank. Delegates observed retail banking operations and interacted with the branch team to understand how cooperative banks are adapting to new-age financial technologies and customer expectations while maintaining their member-centric approach.

The day concluded with a visit to the National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd. (NAFCUB). Here, participants explored the policy landscape for urban cooperative banks in India and engaged in discussions on regulatory reforms, digitisation efforts, and the evolving role of urban cooperatives in promoting financial inclusion in cities and semi-urban areas.

Day Two: Field Exposure to Rural Credit Institutions in Gujarat

On the second day, the delegation travelled to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to engage with the Gujarat State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (GSCARDB). Sessions focused on understanding the operational frameworks of the Short-Term Cooperative Credit Structure (STCCS) and the Long-Term Cooperative Credit Structure (LTCCS), two foundational pillars of India’s rural cooperative finance system.

GSCARDB shared its experience in expanding service delivery beyond traditional agriculture lending, including door-to-door banking, mobile access, and the adoption of digital platforms. The visit highlighted how rural cooperative banks are modernising their operations to better serve farmers and rural communities while remaining competitive against commercial banks.

A tree plantation activity was organised at the bank’s premises, symbolising the cooperative sector’s environmental consciousness. The group also visited the Fish Gallery at Science City Ahmedabad, which highlighted the integration of science education with public engagement, providing a refreshing pause in the learning itinerary.

Day Three: Learning from the Amul Model in Anand

The final day of the programme took delegates to Anand, home of Amul, India’s iconic dairy cooperative. The visit included a guided tour of the Amul dairy plant and chocolate factory, showcasing how a cooperative enterprise can scale industrial production, ensure quality, and maintain member ownership.

Discussions at Amul focused on its federated structure, democratic decision-making, and role in creating sustainable rural livelihoods. Delegates also explored Amul’s innovative use of the Banking Correspondent model, through which dairy cooperatives help extend essential banking services to remote areas. This model highlighted the potential of integrating financial inclusion within cooperative supply chains and service networks            .

Reflections and Way Forward

The Cooperative Learning Visit offered rich insights into how Indian cooperatives are institutionalising innovation, expanding financial access, and building resilient, member-owned financial systems. The diversity of models, from apex institutions in New Delhi to grassroots operations in Gujarat, offered a comprehensive view of the strengths and challenges of cooperative finance in practice.

As a flagship activity of the ICA-AP Committee on Credit and Banking under the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the visit underscored the value of peer learning and cross-border collaboration. The Committee extends its sincere thanks to NAFCARD, ICA-AP, and all partner institutions for their support and hospitality. The experiences and networks built through this initiative are expected to inform future reforms, pilot programmes, and collaborative research across the region.