In a remarkable achievement for India's cooperative sector, two homegrown giants have secured prestigious positions in the global cooperative rankings, drawing enthusiastic applause from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Global Recognition for Indian Cooperatives
The International Cooperative Alliance's World Cooperative Monitor has positioned Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation) at an impressive 16th spot globally, while IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative) has secured the 22nd position in the GCG300 list of the world's largest cooperatives.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media to celebrate this milestone, stating: "Great news for the Indian cooperative sector! Amul and IFFCO have secured top positions in the global rankings of cooperatives. This showcases the strength of our cooperative movement and how it's empowering millions of people."
The Powerhouses Behind the Achievement
Amul, the dairy cooperative that revolutionized milk production in India, continues to be a shining example of how farmer-owned enterprises can achieve global scale while maintaining their grassroots connection. From humble beginnings, Amul has grown into a household name across India and beyond.
IFFCO, one of the world's largest fertilizer cooperatives, has been instrumental in strengthening India's agricultural backbone. Owned by over 36,000 member cooperatives, IFFCO has played a pivotal role in making fertilizers accessible to farmers across the nation.
What This Means for India
This global recognition underscores several key developments:
- The growing international prominence of Indian cooperative models
- The successful implementation of community-owned business structures
- India's rising influence in global agricultural and dairy sectors
- The empowerment of farmers and rural communities through cooperative movements
The achievement is particularly significant as it demonstrates how cooperatives can effectively compete with multinational corporations while remaining true to their social objectives of member welfare and community development.
As India continues to promote the cooperative movement as a vital pillar of economic development, the global success of Amul and IFFCO serves as both an inspiration and a validation of this approach.
