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The Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC) is a central government initiative implemented by NCDC to boost Read More... agricultural cooperatives. It offers financial aid to improve their operations and economic standing. Read less

Details

The Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC) is a key initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Its main goal is to strengthen agricultural cooperatives across the country. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is responsible for putting this scheme into action.

What Is This Scheme?

ISAC is designed to provide a financial helping hand to various cooperatives involved in agriculture and related activities. The scheme aims to improve the economic health of these cooperatives, bridge development gaps between regions, and promote better practices in farming and allied sectors. It also focuses on supporting cotton growers and weavers by ensuring fair prices and access to quality yarn.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is for cooperatives registered under the Cooperative Societies Act. They must be actively involved in agriculture, marketing, storage, processing of farm produce, or supplying agricultural inputs. To be considered, the cooperative should have a positive net worth for the past three years and demonstrated experience in the project area. Special consideration can be given to government-sponsored projects. Essentially, any cooperative looking to grow and improve its services in the agricultural and allied sectors can explore this scheme.

Why This Scheme Is Important

ISAC plays a crucial role in fostering cooperative development. It addresses regional disparities by encouraging growth in less developed areas. By supporting value addition for crops like cotton, it helps farmers earn better profits. The scheme also focuses on modernizing operations, like computerizing primary credit societies, and promoting the overall growth of selected districts through cooperative efforts.

Objective

The Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC) is a central government initiative implemented by NCDC to boost agricultural cooperatives. It offers financial aid to improve their operations and economic standing.

Benefits

Under the scheme, interest payable by the students availing the education loans of the IBA for the period of moratorium (i.e. course period, plus one year or six months after getting a job, whichever is earlier) as prescribed under the Education Loan Scheme of the IBA, shall be borne by the Government of India.

For a student, the eligible loan component shall be the actual loan taken subject to a maximum of ₹ 20,00,000 for the purpose of an Interest subsidy claim.

NOTE 1:After the period of moratorium is over, the interest on the outstanding loan amount shall be paid by the student, in accordance with the existing Educational Loan Scheme as may be amended from time to time.NOTE 2:The candidate will bear the Principal instalments and interest beyond the moratorium period.Release of FundsThe funds will be released to the applicants on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to a maximum amount to be worked out every year based on the total budget made available that year, under the scheme.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Cooperatives interested in this scheme must meet the following conditions:

Eligible Sectors for Assistance: The scheme supports a wide range of cooperative activities including, but not limited to, marketing, processing, storage, computerization, and programs for weaker sections. This also covers plantation, horticulture, dairy, poultry, livestock, fisheries, handloom, coir, jute, cash crops, and sericulture. Assistance is also available for spinning mills (new, modernization, expansion, rehabilitation) and for computerizing PACS, DCCBs, and State Cooperative Banks.
Eligible Organizations: Societies must be at least three years old. They should have maintained a positive net worth for the last three years and possess significant experience in the field for which assistance is sought. For government-sponsored projects, the Managing Director of NCDC can relax these conditions on a case-by-case basis.
General Cooperative Requirements: Organizations must be registered under the relevant State's Cooperative Societies Act. They should be actively engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, such as marketing, storage, processing, or input supply. Financial viability and a good track record are essential. Finally, they must be eligible for financial assistance from NCDC.

How To Apply

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) manages the application process for the Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC). Specific requirements for documents will be determined by NCDC based on the nature and size of the project you propose. You should contact NCDC directly for detailed application guidelines and to submit your project proposal.

Contact NCDC for application details.

Documents Required

The specific documents required will be determined by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) depending on the type and scale of the project you are applying for. NCDC will provide a detailed list of necessary documents when you approach them for assistance.

Official Sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on required documents and the application process, please refer to the official NCDC website or contact their offices directly.

FAQ’s

What is the main aim of the Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC)?

The primary goal of ISAC is to boost agricultural cooperatives by providing financial aid to improve their economic health and development, especially in areas like marketing, processing, and storage of farm produce.

Which types of cooperatives can receive help from the ISAC scheme?

Cooperatives involved in agriculture and allied sectors, such as marketing, processing, storage, input supply, dairy, poultry, fisheries, handloom, and more, are eligible. They must be registered, financially sound, and have a good track record.

How much financial support can a cooperative get under ISAC?

The grant-in-aid amount varies. Cooperatives in the 'least developed' states can get 25%, 'under-developed' states 20%, and 'developed' states 15%. This is a grant, not a loan.

Are there any special conditions for new cooperatives applying?

Yes, societies generally need to be at least three years old with positive net worth for the past three years. However, for government-sponsored projects, the NCDC's Managing Director has the authority to relax these conditions.

Can the scheme help with modernizing existing spinning mills?

Absolutely. The scheme provides assistance for the modernization, expansion, or rehabilitation of existing cooperative spinning mills, as well as for establishing new ones.

How do I apply for assistance under the ISAC scheme?

You need to submit a project proposal to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). NCDC will guide you on the specific documents and procedures based on your project.

Does the scheme support computerization of cooperative banks?

Yes, the scheme supports the computerization of cooperative institutions, including Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCBs), and State Cooperative Banks (SCBs).

What if a cooperative is in a less developed region? Do they get more help?

Yes, cooperatively least developed states receive a higher grant-in-aid percentage (25%) compared to under-developed (20%) and developed states (15%), aiming to reduce regional disparities.

What kind of activities does ISAC cover besides marketing and storage?

ISAC covers a broad range of allied sectors, including processing, supply of agricultural inputs, plantation, horticulture, dairy, poultry, livestock, fisheries, handloom, coir, jute, cash crops, and sericulture.