Latest news with #InternationalCooperativesDay
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
'Earthworm same as urea': Amit Shah bats for natural farming
Amit Shah interacts with women cooperative workers of Gujarat, MP & Rajasthan, in Ahmedabad Wednesday NEW DELHI: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah has pitched for expanding the footprints of natural farming in the country, saying it is not only good for human health but also for the health of 'Mother Earth'. "Eating food produced without use of fertilisers and chemicals will keep you away from doctors and medicines. Apart from this, production increases with natural farming," Shah said during an interaction with women associated with cooperative sectors of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The programme was held in Ahmedabad on July 5 to mark the International Cooperatives Day and was telecast Wednesday. Citing his own example, Shah said he adopted natural farming in his fields and has seen an increase of one and a half times in production. "If natural farming is adopted, then earthworm does the same work as done by urea and other fertilisers such as DAP and NPK. Earthworms eat soil and make manure in the process. The land is not harmed in the process. Besides, water is also saved and people also remain healthy," said the minister. He said his ministry has already formed a national-level cooperative institution for the purchase of grains produced through natural farming. "Apart from this, a cooperative society has also been formed for the export of farmers' crops and arrangements have been made to send the profit from export directly to the farmer's bank account," added Shah.
Morocco World
05-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
OCP Foundation Champions Rural Cooperatives Across Africa
Mrirt — The OCP Foundation is celebrating International Cooperatives Day today by reflecting on its decade-long mission to empower rural communities through cooperative development. The Moroccan organization works across 12 regions in Morocco and nine countries in the Global South, supporting farmers and artisans who unite to build stronger local economies. Building stronger communities The Foundation takes a hands-on approach to cooperative development. It listens to local communities and creates programs that match their specific needs. Over the past ten years, the organization has supported 932 cooperatives in Morocco alone, reaching more than 9,000 cooperative members — 75% of whom are women. 'We express our sincere thanks to all the trainers who worked tirelessly to strengthen our capabilities,' said Omar Joud, President of the Grand Atlas Cooperatives Union in Ouarzazate. Programs that make a difference The Foundation runs several key programs. The 'BootCoop' program provides intensive educational training to help new cooperatives get started, through mentoring, and expert guidance to build strong foundations. Meanwhile, 'CoopStore' creates a network that helps cooperatives sell their products. The program started with 10 founding cooperatives and now includes 60 members. It connects rural producers directly to markets and ensures fair prices for their goods. The Foundation also trains trainers. Working with the International Labour Organization, it has certified 22 trainers from Morocco, Guinea, Cape Verde, and Ivory Coast. These trainers now teach cooperative management skills across their respective regions. Reaching beyond Morocco The Foundation's impact extends far beyond Morocco's borders. In Malawi, it helped create two women's cooperatives focused on pigeon pea processing, training 80 women in transformation and marketing techniques. In Ivory Coast, women's groups have planted 145 hectares of cassava with the Foundation's support. Zimbabwe's project focuses on tamarind processing, benefiting 350 people across seven groups. Senegal sees some of the Foundation's largest projects. Along the Great Green Wall, 700 women benefit from two Integrated Community Agricultural Farms. In Joal Fadiouth, 600 women participate in mangrove restoration efforts. 'We express our deep gratitude to the OCP Foundation for its invaluable support,' said Ndiyae Khadidiatou, Deputy Mayor of Joal Fadiouth in Senegal in a statement. Looking forward The Foundation continues to evolve its approach. It focuses on social innovation, experience sharing, and partnerships that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The organization believes that cooperatives create more just, human, and resilient economies. Through programs like Mourafaka, which has provided 2,681 coaching sessions to 197 cooperatives, the Foundation proves that communities working together can transform rural economies – reinventing solidarity economies one village at time.
