Banas Dairy & BBSSL Join Forces to Boost Potato Value Chain

Taking a major step toward farmer empowerment and agri-value chain reform, Banas Dairy and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10th November 2025 in New Delhi. This initiative aligns with the “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which promotes cooperation among cooperatives to drive rural prosperity and agricultural growth.

The agreement marks a significant development in India’s agri-sector by aiming to build a robust and integrated “seed-to-market” potato value chain.

About the MoU: A Seed-to-Market Approach

The signed MoU focuses on transforming the potato supply ecosystem through a comprehensive strategy. The partnership will ensure,

• Production of certified, disease-free seed potatoes
• Use of scientific cultivation practices
• Promotion of contract farming
• Stronger market linkages for farmers

By combining technological innovation with cooperative strength, the goal is to boost productivity, reduce crop loss, and increase farmers’ income.

Key Partners and Their Roles

Banas Dairy

Part of the Amul cooperative network, Banas Dairy is Asia’s largest dairy cooperative. Under its “Beyond Dairy” initiative, it is diversifying into high-value agricultural segments. Banas Dairy will provide,

• Technical expertise
• Tissue culture and aeroponic facilities
• Support for market access and logistics

BBSSL (Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited)

BBSSL will spearhead the production and distribution of high-quality seed potatoes. It will use the facilities and technologies provided by Banas Dairy and ensure that seeds reach certified quality standards for maximum yield and disease resistance.

Vision of Sahakar se Samriddhi in Action

The initiative is a live example of the Ministry of Cooperation’s mission to promote “cooperation among cooperatives”. Under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Amit Shah, such collaborations are enabling,

• Strengthened agricultural value chains
• Increased self-reliance in seed production
• Improved farmer income and resilience

This MoU reflects how public policy and cooperative power can work together to uplift rural communities and modernize India’s agriculture sector.

Official Remarks and Significance

At the MoU signing event held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, termed the partnership a milestone in farmer prosperity and value chain strengthening.

Shri Sangram Chaudhary, MD of Banas Dairy, emphasized the significance of the cooperative’s expansion into non-dairy ventures. Meanwhile, Shri Chetan Joshi, MD of BBSSL, highlighted the goal of achieving self-reliance in seed potato production, reducing dependence on imports and ensuring local quality standards.

Broader Impact on Potato Farming in India

This strategic collaboration will benefit thousands of potato farmers by,

• Enhancing access to quality seed inputs
• Facilitating scientific farming techniques
• Offering assured market linkages through cooperative channels
• Encouraging adoption of advanced agri-technologies

Over time, the initiative could serve as a model framework for other crops and cooperatives across India, supporting the national goal of doubling farmers’ income and ensuring agricultural sustainability.

Static Facts

• MoU signed on: 10 November 2025
• Venue: Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan, New Delhi
• Parties Involved: Banas Dairy (Amul Group) and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)
• Government Body: Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India
• Vision Behind MoU: “Sahakar se Samriddhi” by PM Narendra Modi
• Key Initiative: ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’
• Primary Focus: Developing a seed-to-market potato value chain