Gujarat’s first cooperative supermarket, named “Gujco Mart,” was inaugurated on Science City Road in Ahmedabad by the Gujarat Cooperative Marketing Federation, Gujcomasol. The initiative is being led by Dileep Sanghani, the president of the federation and a prominent figure in India’s cooperative movement.
The launch event saw the presence of notable figures, including Ajay Patel, Chairman of the Gujarat State Cooperative Bank (GSC Bank), G H Amin, Chairman of Gujarat State Cooperative Union who is also a GC member of NCUI along with board members and other officials.
The inauguration coincided with the state’s celebration of “Vikas Saptah,” marking 23 years of governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The supermarket chain initiative aims to further the government’s goal of achieving economic prosperity through cooperative means, with a special focus on benefiting farmers and promoting organic, value-added products.
At the launch, Dileep Sanghani emphasized the alignment of the cooperative supermarket chain with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of achieving “prosperity through cooperation.” The initiative, Sanghani said, would promote organic grains, market expansion, and help achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ incomes.
Sanghani explained that the goal of Gujcomasol is to facilitate better value addition for agricultural products produced in various districts. Through this cooperative effort, consumers will have access to high-quality, pure, and affordable products.
The Gujco Mart supermarkets are designed to connect producers—particularly farmers—to consumers, ensuring that the benefits of the value-added supply chain reach the farming community.
Speaking about the future of the initiative, Sanghani outlined an ambitious plan to establish 250 cooperative malls across Gujarat. The initial phase will focus on opening supermarkets in major cities, followed by expansion into smaller towns.
The opening of Gujco Mart marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to boost cooperative retail chains. The initiative is seen as a major push towards achieving economic self-reliance for farmers and expanding the cooperative movement beyond traditional sectors like banking and agriculture.
Ajay Patel, Chairman of GSC Bank, who was present at the event, also lauded the efforts of Gujcomasol, emphasizing the long-term benefits the supermarket chain will bring to both producers and consumers in the state.
The cooperative model, Patel noted, is a way to ensure equitable distribution of wealth and resources while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. With its focus on local production, quality assurance, and affordability, Gujco Mart is expected to become a key player in Gujarat’s retail sector.