By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, June 18, 2026: The Bihar government has intensified efforts to establish the Bihar State Marketing Cooperation Federation Limited (BSMCFL), a major initiative aimed at strengthening the cooperative marketing ecosystem across the state and providing farmers with better market access for their products and services.
According to the notification issued by the Cooperation Department, the proposed state-level federation will serve as a common platform for divisional marketing unions, business division cooperative societies, central cooperative institutions, and other cooperative organizations.
The federation will facilitate the collection, storage, processing, transportation, distribution, and marketing of agricultural and rural products, helping farmers and cooperative societies secure better returns for their produce.
Boost to cooperative movement through BSMCFL:
Bihar Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav described the initiative as a landmark step for Bihar’s cooperative sector.
He said the federation would provide a robust state=level platform for marketing of products produced by farmers, producer groups, and cooperative institutions.
According to the minister, the government’s objective is not only to increase agricultural production but also to ensure farmers participate actively in marketing and value addition, thereby enhancing their income.
He emphasized that the cooperative-based marketing model would contribute significantly to strengthening the rural economy, promoting self-reliance, and advancing the state’s goal of increasing farmers’ earnings.
Ram Kripal Yadav stated that the government is committed to integrating the cooperative sector with modern technology, an efficient marketing mechanism, and a strong institutional framework.
The federation is expected to build a comprehensive marketing network for agricultural and rural products across Bihar and facilitate access to both national and international markets.
The authorized share capital of the federation has been fixed at Rs 500 crore, and the value of each share is Rs 20,000. The membership fee of the BSMCFL is fixed at Rs 1,000, and divisional-level marketing unions, business division cooperative societies, central cooperative societies and central cooperative banks are eligible for it.
Board of Directors structure:
The BSMCFL will be managed by a 17-member Board of Directors consisting of a chairman, 13 elected directors, and 3 ex officio nominated directors.
The chairman will be elected through a democratic process, and the post will remain unreserved.
Representation has been ensured for divisional marketing societies, business division cooperative societies, and central cooperative institutions.
Experts from the fields of cooperative administration and marketing will also be included in the governance structure.
According to the cooperation department, the BSMCFL’s structure has been designed to be inclusive and participatory.
Reservation for elected directors will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Bihar Cooperative Societies Act 1935.
EOM.
