Former Maharashtra minister, Harshvardhan Patil, was unanimously elected as the President of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) today. In a meeting of the newly elected board of directors, Patil was chosen unopposed for a five-year term, from 2024 to 2029. Alongside him, Ketanbhai Patel was re-elected as the Vice President for a second consecutive term.
This announcement follows a special general body meeting held yesterday, where 12 directors were elected to form the board. Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar, the outgoing president, chaired the meeting. Returning Òfficer Mekala Chaitanya Prasad (IAS) officially announced the election of Harvardhan Patil and Ketanbhai Patel, a press release issued by NFCSF said.
A day before on 15th Feb, a special general body meeting of the NFCSF held in New Delhi, elected 12 directors. It was chaired by the outgoing NFCSF President Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar.
Harshvardhan Patil has vast experience working in the cooperative sector. As a minister, he handled many portfolios and left his mark in the Maharashtra Cabinet during 1995 to 2014. He is a resident of Indapur in Pune district of Maharashtra. Ketanbhai Patel had served as the Vice-President of the NFCSF for the last five years and was re-elected to this post for the second time.
Outgoing President, Dandegaonkar, extended his congratulations to the newly elected leaders. He also expressed gratitude to all members representing cooperative sugar factories and federations for their support during his tenure.
The NFCSF, headquartered in Delhi, acts as the apex body for all cooperative sugar factories in India. It facilitates communication between these factories and the central government, advocating for sugar policies and addressing industry concerns. Additionally, the federation assists with infrastructure development, modernization, and technical and commercial consultancy for member factories.
Cooperative sugar factories contribute significantly, producing 35% of the nation's sugar. This leadership change marks a significant moment for the NFCSF and the cooperative sugar industry as a whole. Patil's experience and Patel's continuity are expected to contribute to the sector's continued growth and development.
