Cooperatives Build a Better World
WAYANAD – Seed Fest 2025 hosted a poignant technical session dedicated to the memory of Dr. Verghese Kurian, the father of India’s White Revolution, recognizing his immense contributions to the cooperative movement. The session, themed “The Role of Cooperatives in Sustainable Development,” served as a tribute to Dr. Kurian’s vision and a platform for exploring the future of cooperatives in building a better world. Coordinated by Dr. V. Shakeela and P.M. Nandakumar, the session was chaired by Sri. G. Balagopal, IAS(Rtd), Head of the Climate-Smart Coffee Project in Wayanad.

Honouring a Legacy: Dr. Verghese Kurian’s Impact
The session began with a heartfelt remembrance of Dr. Kurian’s legacy. Speakers highlighted his instrumental role in transforming India’s dairy sector through the cooperative model, empowering millions of farmers and revolutionizing milk production. They emphasized his unwavering belief in the power of cooperatives to drive social and economic change, a vision that continues to inspire cooperative movements across the globe. Dr. Kurian’s emphasis on farmer ownership, professional management, and technological innovation within cooperatives was recognized as crucial to their success and sustainability.
Cooperatives: A Path to Sustainable Development
The technical discussions focused on the multifaceted role of cooperatives in achieving sustainable development goals. Sri. G. Balagopal, IAS, emphasized the global significance of cooperatives, particularly in poverty reduction (SDG 1), and urged the exploration of emerging opportunities within the sector. He cited Wayanad’s success stories in dairy and coffee farming as testaments to the cooperative model’s effectiveness and encouraged the use of programs like Sahakaar 22 and the Yuva Sahakaar Initiative to further empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.


Sri. P.T. Gopala Kurup, former Chairman of MILMA, underscored the foundational strength of the cooperative movement, drawing parallels between Operation Flood’s success and the potential for cooperatives to drive progress in other sectors. He stressed the importance of farmer-led initiatives and cautioned against external interference that could undermine cooperative principles. Kurup called for mechanisms to manage market volatility and promote value-added products, particularly in seed production and distribution, echoing Dr. Kurian’s focus on market-oriented solutions.
K.T. Thomas, former MD of MILMA, shared insights into MILMA’s establishment under Dr. Kurian’s guidance, highlighting the cooperative model as a viable alternative to traditional economic systems. He emphasized the alignment of stakeholder interests, including seed producers and consumers, and the need for continuous innovation and strategic investments in seed technology and infrastructure.


Dr. T.S. Rajeev, Director of Entrepreneurship at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, explored the potential of replicating the dairy cooperative model in other agricultural sectors, including seed production and distribution. He emphasized the need for improved seed quality, storage facilities, and skilled human resources within cooperative seed systems.


Boby Kuriakose, Dairy Manager at MILMA Wayanad, and M. Prakash, retired Joint Director of the Dairy Development Department, highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing cooperatives in the current agricultural landscape. They emphasized the need for youth engagement in farming and seed saving, the importance of cooperative principles, and the declining happiness index among farmers, urging interventions to revitalize the sector and improve livelihoods.


S. Suresh Kumar, National General Secretary of the Kisan Service Society, addressed the specific challenges faced by cooperatives, including access to resources and markets, particularly for seeds and agricultural inputs. He emphasized the role of cooperatives in empowering farmers with knowledge and promoting value addition, financial inclusion, and community development.
Lead discussants, representing various farming communities, shared their experiences and perspectives, highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to seed access, fair pricing, and sustainable agricultural practices. They emphasized the need for stronger support systems for farmers and the importance of preserving traditional farming knowledge.
The Dr. Verghese Kurian Memorial Session at Seed Fest 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of cooperative principles in building a sustainable and equitable future for farmers. The discussions underscored the need for continued innovation, youth engagement, and strong leadership to ensure that cooperatives continue to thrive and fulfill their potential as engines of rural development.