NCUI Haat, a unique selling/exhibition platform for the products of lesser-known cooperatives/Self-Help Groups (SHGs) based on the pattern of Delhi Haat, was inaugurated by the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) President Dileep Sanghani at the NCUI premises on Aug 16. The information came in a press release issued by NCUI.
Speaking during the inaugural function of NCUI Haat, Sanghani said that NCUI Haat would create an enabling environment for "Sahkar se Samriddhi" (prosperity through cooperation) and work in accordance with the government's policy of going "vocal for local" by expanding its reach in all parts of our country.
NCUI Haat, which is open to the public now, is currently exhibiting products of those local cooperatives/SHGs which have not been able to find ready markets due to marketing problems. Initially, located in all parts of the country, the products of cooperatives/SHGs of states like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Orissa, etc. are exhibiting their products in this Haat, which will expand its reach soon to other states.
According to the press release, the inaugural function of NCUI Haat was attended by the top-level executives of national-level cooperative federations, representatives of government/non-government organizations (NGOs), local resident welfare associations, etc.
Sanghani said that NCUI would also take up the task of implementing the government schemes and programmes through cooperatives so that the benefits went to the lowest and deprived sections of the society. He further said that cooperatives ensured that the profits are divided amongst the members and not private shareholders. He felt that there was a need to promote the products of cooperatives all over the country.
He appreciated the role of cooperatives during the Covid-19 pandemic, as compared to other sectors of the economy. He highlighted the key role of cooperatives, due to which the agricultural sector performed well during this period. He further appreciated the commitment of the government towards cooperatives, as the Government had formed a separate Ministry of Cooperation.
Dr Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, former President of NCUI and current Chairman of KRIBHCO, said on this occasion that cooperatives were the best medium to strengthen our economy. He said that some of the cooperative products could compete with multinational products, but due to their poor marketing, they were not recognized by the common masses. He was optimistic that the setting up of NCUI Haat would provide a good platform for the lesser-known cooperatives to showcase their products. Dr Yadav, too, appreciated the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation and hoped that the Ministry would strengthen the cooperative movement in the states.
Dr Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive, NCUI explained the concept of NCUI Haat. He said that it was important how the last person in the economic chain could be empowered and NCUI Haat was a humble beginning in that direction. Though the people working in small cooperatives/SHGs have gifted hands as they produce amazing products, they are not able to showcase/sell their products due to poor market linkage. It is here that the Haat will have a key role to play.