On the Occasion of World Environment Day – June 5
“The Earth is not ours; it is a treasure we hold in trust for future generations.”
– Swami Vivekananda
Authored Article by:
Dr. S.L.N.T. Srinivas
Member, All India Authors Group, NCCT
Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India
KARIMNAGAR, JUNE 05, 2025: World Environment Day is not just a day of symbolism but a call to collective responsibility. As we face growing challenges—climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss—it is essential to recognize the role of community-driven institutions like cooperatives in building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
In this context, cooperatives—by nature democratic, people-oriented, and locally rooted—are uniquely positioned to champion environmental sustainability. On this occasion, the role of the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), Government of India, in empowering cooperatives for environmental action is particularly commendable.
The Cooperative Advantage in Environmental Stewardship
Cooperatives function at the grassroots level, connecting millions of farmers, artisans, and small producers. Their strengths lie in collective ownership, social capital, and sustainable resource use. Some key areas of their contribution include:
- Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health
- PACS and agricultural cooperatives are promoting organic farming, zero budget natural farming, and soil health card adoption.
- Cooperative societies in states like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana are supporting bio-input units and compost cooperatives.
- Water Conservation and Irrigation Efficiency
- Cooperative Water Users Associations (WUAs) ensure equitable distribution and efficient usage of water for irrigation.
- Many DCCBs and federations are financing drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and micro-irrigation infrastructure for their members.
- Renewable Energy & Waste Management
- Dairy and sugar cooperatives are investing in biogas, solar panels, and bagasse-based power plants, reducing their carbon footprints.
- Urban cooperative societies are experimenting with waste segregation, recycling cooperatives, and e-waste disposal initiatives.
Recent Policy Push: Role of Ministry of Cooperation (MoC)
Under the dynamic leadership of the Ministry of Cooperation, several forward-looking measures are aligning cooperatives with environmental objectives:
- Model Bye-laws to Integrate Sustainability Goals
The MoC has encouraged adoption of model bye-laws that allow cooperatives to take up climate-resilient livelihoods, resource conservation, and eco-friendly enterprises as part of their mandates.
- Digital Green Cooperatives
Promotion of digital platforms through the National Cooperative Database has helped track and scale eco-conscious practices such as sustainable agri-inputs, renewable energy use, and traceability in organic farming.
- Support to Green Dairy and Agri Cooperatives
With NABARD and NDDB’s collaboration, dairy and agri cooperatives are being linked to carbon credit markets, green certification, and climate-resilient cropping systems.
- Skilling and Capacity Building
MoC has initiated training for cooperative leaders and managers on climate adaptation, waste management, and environmental compliance, especially under the National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT).
Case Studies and Good Practices
Mulkanoor Women’s Cooperative Dairy Union, Telangana
This cooperative promotes biogas-based energy, plastic-free packaging, and water recycling within dairy farms, setting a benchmark in rural environmental action.
Organic Farmers’ Cooperatives in Sikkim
Sikkim’s complete transition to organic farming was significantly driven by farmer-producer cooperatives trained and financed for environment-friendly inputs and certification.
Solar Power Initiatives by Sugar Cooperatives, Maharashtra
Several sugar cooperatives have set up solar units on factory rooftops and co-generation plants using bagasse, aligning economic viability with green energy production.
Way Forward: Greening the Cooperative Movement
To truly make cooperatives champions of environmental justice and sustainability, the following steps are essential:
- Incentivise eco-labelling and certification for green cooperative products.
- Promote youth engagement through green entrepreneurship in cooperative startups.
- Encourage climate financing mechanisms for cooperatives (e.g., carbon credits, green bonds).
- Institutionalise an Environmental Responsibility Index for cooperatives.
Conclusion
On this Environment Day, let us recognise that cooperatives are not just economic engines—they are social institutions capable of transforming India’s environmental future. With the right policy ecosystem, inspired leadership from the Ministry of Cooperation, and deep community participation, cooperatives can become climate warriors at the grassroots.
A greener India is possible—and cooperatives will lead the way.
