NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 17, 2025: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, informed that fortified foodgrains such as rice, pulses, lentils and peas are not procured in fortified form through cooperative societies and federations like NAFED and NCCF, though paddy and raw pulses are procured through these cooperative institutions. He stated that the Government of India has launched a centrally sponsored scheme for fortification of rice with Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 to address micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable sections of society.
The Minister highlighted that the Government has approved the continuation of universal supply of fortified rice under all major welfare schemes, including the Public Distribution System (PDS), ICDS, PM-POSHAN and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from July 2024 up to December 2028, ensuring improved nutritional security across the country.
Responding to representations received from the Government of Tamil Nadu and other stakeholders regarding cooperative societies, cooperative banks and PACS—particularly on GST exemptions—the Minister detailed a series of GST reforms undertaken to support cooperatives. He informed that GST on milk and paneer has been reduced to nil, while GST on products such as butter, ghee, cheese and milk cans has been reduced from 12% to 5%.
Shri Amit Shah further stated that GST rates on a wide range of food items, including jams, jellies, fruit pulp, fruit juice-based beverages, chocolates, cornflakes, ice creams, pastries, cakes and biscuits, have been reduced from 12%/18% to 5%, making cooperative products more affordable and competitive.
In the agriculture sector, the Minister noted that GST on key inputs such as ammonia, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, bio-pesticides and micronutrients has been reduced to 5%, along with GST reduction on tractors below 1800 cc and essential tractor components, including tyres, tubes and hydraulic pumps, thereby lowering input costs for farmers and cooperatives.
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that these GST rationalisation measures are expected to enhance competitiveness, increase revenues of cooperative institutions, and strengthen the cooperative ecosystem, in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samruddhi.
