India’s Amul, IFFCO lead world cooperative rankings, marking major sector milestone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 5 November, congratulated two of India’s leading cooperative, Amul and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), for securing the first and second ranks respectively in the global rankings for cooperatives, marking a historic achievement for India’s cooperative sector.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Congratulations to Amul and IFFCO. India’s cooperative sector is vibrant and is also transforming several lives. Our Government is taking numerous steps to further encourage this sector in the times to come.”

The recognition underscores the growing global footprint of India’s cooperative movement and its contribution to empowering rural communities, especially farmers and women.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, also extended his congratulations to both Amul and IFFCO, calling it a “proud moment for Bharat.”

In his post on X, Shah wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Amul and IFFCO for occupying the first two ranks among the top ten cooperatives in the world. It is an honour to the tireless dedication of millions of women associated with Amul and farmers contributing to the IFFCO.”

He further added that the achievement reflects the “boundless potential of cooperatives,” which, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, are being transformed into a “global model of empowerment and self-reliance.”

The global recognition of Amul and IFFCO highlights India’s growing influence in the cooperative movement. Amul, managed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), has long been a symbol of India’s “White Revolution,” enabling millions of dairy farmers to achieve economic independence through collective enterprise. IFFCO, on the other hand, is one of the largest fertilizer cooperatives in the world, providing vital agricultural support to farmers across India.

India’s dairy sector plays a crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods and advancing inclusive growth. As the largest milk producer globally, India’s success is driven by farmer-led cooperatives, widespread women’s participation, and the adoption of scientific dairy practices.

Government initiatives continue to bolster the sector through credit support, subsidies, and research in areas such as animal health and fodder improvement. These efforts aim to make India’s dairy and cooperative models more resilient and capable of meeting future domestic and international demands.

Officials noted that Amul and IFFCO’s recognition at the global level not only enhances India’s reputation in the cooperative domain but also reaffirms the government’s commitment to promoting a sustainable and inclusive cooperative economy.

The achievement serves as a milestone in India’s cooperative history, showcasing the strength of collective enterprise and community-driven development.