NCUI: Sanghani inaugurates Sahakar Mela; showcases co-op products

NCUI’s Cooperative Fair known as Sahakar Mela 2024 was jointly inaugurated by the NCUI President Dileep Sanghani and International Cooperative Alliance (Asia Pacific) President Dr Chandrapal Singh Yadav in the presence of a large number of prominent people on Thursday at the NCUI headquarters in Delhi.

On this occasion, Nafed former Chairman Bijendra Singh, Nacof Working Chairman Ramiqbal Singh, NAFFAC Chairman Ranjit Singh, NCCF Chairman Vishal Singh, senior officials of NCUI including its CE Sudhir Mahajan, Deputy CE Savitri Singh and many other functionaries of the cooperative fraternity were present.

The event, which will last till 27th October 2024, has brought together artisans and entrepreneurs from various cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across India, offering them a unique platform to exhibit their handmade goods and connect with a broader audience.

After the inauguration of Mela, Sanghani visited stalls and bought cooperative products to encourage them. Those accompanying Shanghani also bought many cooperative products.

This time, the Sahakar Mela stands out in many ways, as not only are Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) showcasing their products, but government undertakings like the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) and Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WRDA) are also participating with their stalls.

Approximately 35 cooperatives and SHGs are participating, including well-known names like the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Multistate Cooperative Society from West Bengal, the Indian Diversified Cooperative Society from Varanasi, and the Wood Carving Artisan Society from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Some of India’s major players in the cooperative sector—such as Amul, NAFED, TRIFED, and CAMPCO—are also showcasing their products. Additionally, organizations like the HCL Foundation, the Rural Business Incubator from Uttarakhand, and the India HIV/AIDS Alliance are seen contributing to the dynamic and collaborative atmosphere of the fair.

By hosting this fair, the NCUI aims to promote collaboration and foster a deeper appreciation for local craftsmanship while advancing the mission of cooperative entrepreneurship in India.

The event is a significant step toward supporting small cooperatives and SHGs, which play a vital role in India’s economic landscape but often remain underrepresented.

During the first day of Cooperative Fair 2024, participants and attendees alike were seen exploring the transformative potential of cooperative-driven economic growth.

The B.Com first and second year students of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College also participated on the first days of the fair and were impressed by the cooperative products.

It bears recalling that NCUI is organizing its Cooperative Fair (Sahakar Mela) 2024 for the fourth consecutive year.