Review Meeting Highlights
NAFED Strengthens Cooperative Marketing Framework: An extensive review meeting of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) was recently conducted to assess its operational performance and strategic priorities. The focus was on strengthening cooperative marketing mechanisms and ensuring better returns to farmers.
The review emphasised transparency, improved procurement systems, and enhanced participation of member cooperatives. Discussions also covered market intervention strategies and supply chain optimisation.
About NAFED
NAFED is the apex organization of marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India. It was established in 1958 with the objective of promoting cooperative marketing and increasing farmers’ income.
The federation operates as a multi-state cooperative institution. It is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, enabling it to function across various states while maintaining a democratic governance structure.
Static GK fact: The cooperative movement in India gained momentum after Independence to reduce exploitation by middlemen and strengthen rural credit and marketing networks.
Organizational Structure and Governance
Farmers’ cooperatives form the core membership of NAFED. These cooperatives participate in governance through the General Body, ensuring democratic decision-making and representation.
The General Body elects the Board of Directors, which oversees policy implementation. This structure ensures that farmers’ interests remain central to the federation’s functioning.
The headquarters of NAFED is located in New Delhi, facilitating coordination with central ministries and national-level agencies.
Static GK Tip: Multi-state cooperative societies are governed by central legislation, unlike state cooperatives that are regulated by respective State Cooperative Acts.
Role in Agricultural Marketing
NAFED plays a vital role in the procurement, distribution, and export of agricultural commodities. It is often involved in price stabilisation operations, particularly during periods of market volatility.
Through market intervention schemes, the federation procures commodities to protect farmers from distress sales. It also undertakes bulk marketing, warehousing, and distribution of essential agricultural produce.
NAFED supports pulses, oilseeds, and other essential crops. Its interventions help maintain buffer stocks and ensure supply stability.
Static GK fact: Agricultural marketing in India is supported by institutions such as the Food Corporation of India and cooperative federations like NAFED to balance farmer welfare and consumer interests.
Significance for Farmers’ Income
The primary objective of NAFED is to promote cooperative marketing to enhance farmers’ income. By aggregating produce through cooperatives, farmers gain better bargaining power in the market.
Collective marketing reduces dependency on intermediaries. It also enables access to wider domestic and export markets.
NAFED’s activities align with broader goals of rural development and agricultural sustainability. The review meeting reaffirmed the need to modernise marketing infrastructure and strengthen cooperative networks nationwide.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NAFED Strengthens Cooperative Marketing Framework:
| Topic | Detail |
| Full Name | National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd |
| Established | 1958 |
| Legal Framework | Registered under Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act |
| Nature | Apex marketing cooperative organization |
| Core Members | Farmers’ cooperatives |
| Governance | General Body and elected Board of Directors |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Objective | Promote cooperative marketing and enhance farmers’ income |
| Key Role | Procurement, marketing and price stabilisation operations |
