Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation in India, Know More About It

Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation

The Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC) stands as a significant initiative within the landscape of agricultural development in India. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, this Central Sector Scheme operates through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), aiming to bolster cooperative endeavors in the agricultural and allied sectors.

Overview table of Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation

Aspect	Details
Scheme Name	Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC)
Initiating Authority	Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Implementing Agency	National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
Objective	– Provision of financial assistance to cooperatives – Mitigation of regional imbalances in cooperative development – Facilitation of cotton growers for better prices – Promotion of overall development in selected districts – Assistance to National Level Cooperative Federation/Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) for promotional and skill development activities
Components	– Assistance to NCDC Programmes – Cotton Development – Integrated Cooperative Development Projects (ICDP)
Benefits	Grants-in-aid for weaker sections/women cooperatives and labor cooperatives Allocation based on cooperative development status: Least developed states (25%), under-developed states (20%), developed states (15%)
Eligibility Criteria	– Engagement in specified sectors – Registration under Cooperative Societies Act – Financial viability and positive balance net worth for last three years – Track record of activities in agriculture and allied sectors
Application Process	– Contact relevant authorities – Obtain necessary forms – Complete application forms – Compile required documents – Submission of application – Follow-up and communication – Review and approval – Disbursement of assistance – Project implementation – Monitoring and evaluation
Documents Required	– Application form – Registration documents – Financial statements – Project proposal – Budget and cost estimates – Feasibility study – Legal documents – Ownership documents – Environmental clearances – Other relevant certificates
Conclusion	ISAC aims to foster cooperative development in Indian agriculture through financial assistance and strategic support, intending to catalyze economic growth, alleviate regional disparities, and empower stakeholders within the agricultural sector.

Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme delineates several primary objectives, including:

• Provision of financial assistance to cooperatives to enhance their economic standing.
• Mitigation of regional imbalances by expediting cooperative development across agricultural and allied sectors.
• Facilitation of cotton growers in attaining better prices for their produce through value addition and ensuring accessibility of quality yarn to decentralized weavers at fair rates.
• Promotion of overall development in selected districts through cooperative efforts in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Assistance to National Level Cooperative Federation/Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) for conducting promotional and skill development activities in the agriculture and allied sector.

Components of the Scheme

The scheme encompasses various components, notably:

1. Assistance to NCDC Programmes for Development of Cooperatives: This component entails financial assistance for diverse initiatives such as marketing, processing, storage, consumer programs of cooperatives, computerization of primary agricultural cooperative credit societies (PACS), district central cooperative banks (DCBs), state cooperative banks (SCBs), and Technical & Promotional (T&P) Cell Scheme.
2. Cotton Development: Provision of aid for cotton development activities, including ginning, pressing, and establishment, modernization, or expansion of cooperative spinning mills.
3. Integrated Cooperative Development Projects (ICDP): Implementation of comprehensive projects in selected districts aimed at fostering cooperative development.

Benefits

Under the ISAC scheme, grants-in-aid are provided for projects related to weaker sections/women cooperatives and labor cooperatives. The allocation of grants varies based on the cooperative development status of the states, with cooperatively least developed states receiving 25%, cooperatively under-developed states receiving 20%, and cooperatively developed states receiving 15%.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for seeking assistance from NCDC include:

• Engagement in sectors such as agricultural marketing, processing, storage, computerization, weaker sections’ programs, input supply, plantation/horticultural crops, SC & ST cooperatives, tribal cooperatives, dairy, poultry, livestock, fisheries, handloom, coir, jute, cash crops, sericulture, and spinning mills.
• Registration under the Cooperative Societies Act of the respective state.
• Financial viability and a positive balance net worth for the last three years.
• Track record of undertaking activities related to agriculture and allied sectors.

Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation Application Process

The application process for availing assistance from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC) involves the following steps:

1. Contact Relevant Authorities: Cooperative societies intending to seek assistance should initiate the process by contacting the Office of Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Commissioner responsible for the specific program, Agriculture & Cooperation Department, or Regional Offices of NCDC.
2. Obtain Necessary Forms: The necessary forms for applying for assistance can be obtained from the NCDC’s website. These forms typically encompass details required for the application process.
3. Complete Application Forms: Cooperative societies must diligently fill out the application forms, providing accurate information about their organization, the proposed project, its objectives, and the intended use of financial assistance.
4. Compile Required Documents: NCDC may prescribe specific documents necessary for the application process based on the nature and size of the project. It is imperative for cooperative societies to gather and organize all required documents as per the guidelines provided.
5. Submission of Application: Once the application forms are completed and necessary documents are compiled, cooperative societies can submit their applications to the designated authorities. Applications are typically submitted offline, either directly to the concerned offices or through specified channels as per the instructions provided.
6. Follow-up and Communication: After submission, cooperative societies should maintain regular communication with the authorities to track the progress of their application. This may involve providing additional information or clarifications as requested by NCDC or other relevant bodies.
7. Review and Approval: The submitted applications undergo a thorough review process by NCDC and other relevant authorities to assess their eligibility and alignment with the objectives of the ISAC scheme. Upon successful review and approval, assistance may be granted to the eligible cooperative societies.
8. Disbursement of Assistance: Once the application is approved, NCDC disburses the financial assistance to the eligible cooperative societies as per the terms and conditions specified under the ISAC scheme.
9. Project Implementation: Cooperative societies utilize the financial assistance received from NCDC for implementing the proposed project activities aimed at fostering cooperative development in the agricultural and allied sectors.
10. Monitoring and Evaluation: NCDC may conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of the assisted projects to ensure effective utilization of funds and achievement of desired outcomes. Cooperative societies are expected to cooperate and provide necessary information for monitoring purposes.

Documents Required

During the application process for availing assistance from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC), cooperative societies are typically required to submit various documents to support their application. The specific documents may vary based on the nature and size of the project, as well as the guidelines provided by NCDC. Below are some commonly requested documents:

1. Application Form: Completed application form providing detailed information about the cooperative society, the proposed project, its objectives, and the intended utilization of financial assistance.
2. Registration Documents: Copies of registration certificates and legal documents establishing the cooperative society’s status under the Cooperative Societies Act of the respective state.
3. Financial Statements: Financial statements including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements for the last three years demonstrating the financial viability and positive net worth of the cooperative society.
4. Project Proposal: Comprehensive project proposal outlining the scope, objectives, activities, implementation plan, and expected outcomes of the proposed project.
5. Budget and Cost Estimates: Detailed budget estimates indicating the cost of various project activities, itemized expenses, and the amount of financial assistance sought from NCDC.
6. Feasibility Study: If applicable, a feasibility study report providing an analysis of the project’s technical, economic, and social viability.
7. Legal Documents: Any legal agreements, contracts, or memoranda of understanding related to the proposed project, including land lease agreements, partnership agreements, or agreements with suppliers or contractors.
8. Ownership Documents: Proof of ownership or lease agreements for any land, buildings, or assets to be utilized for the project, along with documents demonstrating clear title and legality.
9. Environmental Clearances: Environmental clearance certificates or approvals from relevant authorities, if the proposed project involves any activities with potential environmental impacts.
10. Other Relevant Certificates: Any additional certificates, licenses, permits, or clearances required for the specific activities proposed under the project, such as permits for agricultural activities, processing units, or trading operations.

Conclusion: Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation

The Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC) emerges as a pivotal endeavor in fostering cooperative development in the agricultural domain of India. By providing financial assistance and strategic support, the scheme aims to catalyze economic growth, alleviate regional disparities, and empower various stakeholders within the agricultural sector. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, ISAC endeavors to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agricultural cooperatives across the nation.

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