The Maharashtra State

The Maharashtra State Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd.

Corporate Profile

The Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd. (MSCMFL), founded in 1957 under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960 (formerly the Bombay Cooperative Societies Act, 1925), stands as a vanguard institution committed to advancing cooperative agricultural marketing across Maharashtra. With its core objective centered on fostering the agricultural economy, MSCMFL ensures that farmers and rural producers benefit from transparent and equitable market systems.

Guided by a vision to empower farmers through efficient market access, MSCMFL’s mission is to secure fair pricing and uplift the economic welfare of the agricultural community. In pursuit of this mission, the organization offers a diverse suite of services designed to bolster the agricultural infrastructure throughout the state.

MSCMFL derives its credibility from the 94% equity stake held by the Government of Maharashtra, a testament to its strategic alignment with state policies. The organization operates under a robust governance framework, with a board of directors comprising representatives from member cooperative societies and government officials. The Chairman, who plays a pivotal role in leading the board, is deeply involved in shaping the policy directions and strategic initiatives that define MSCMFL’s long-term objectives. The Managing Director, responsible for daily operations, ensures that MSCMFL’s strategies are executed in accordance with its commitment to sustainable agricultural growth. Together, this leadership team ensures that MSCMFL continues to be a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s agricultural sector, powered by a far-reaching cooperative network.

MSCMFL plays an instrumental role in implementing key procurement programs, most notably the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF). The PSS guarantees farmers a minimum support price during volatile market conditions, ensuring financial stability, while the PSF regulates supply and distribution to maintain price stability for essential commodities. These initiatives not only safeguard farmers’ livelihoods but also contribute to the broader objectives of state welfare programs.

In addition to its procurement activities, MSCMFL is a critical supplier of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals, sourced through strategic collaborations with both private and public sector manufacturers. This ensures that farmers receive premium-quality products at competitive prices, fostering improved productivity across the agricultural value chain. MSCMFL also manages an expansive network of warehouses throughout Maharashtra, offering 2.28 lakh metric tons (LMT) of storage capacity. These state-of-the-art facilities are strategically positioned to enable efficient distribution, minimize post-harvest losses, and preserve the quality of stored produce, benefiting farmers, traders, and cooperatives alike.

The federation has forged strategic partnerships with several key national and state institutions, broadening its service portfolio and market outreach. These include the Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Cooperative and Marketing, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). These collaborations enhance MSCMFL’s ability to serve Maharashtra’s agricultural community by ensuring access to critical inputs and stable market linkages.

Financially resilient, MSCMFL has maintained a stable trajectory over the decades, bolstered by its extensive warehousing infrastructure and well-established procurement operations. Its commitment to financial transparency ensures sustainable growth, while maintaining a focus on the welfare of Maharashtra’s agricultural sector.

 

Looking to the future, MSCMFL is poised to modernize its infrastructure and broaden its digital footprint, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of the farming community. By optimizing its procurement, warehousing, and distribution processes and leveraging cutting-edge technological innovations, MSCMFL is set to reaffirm its position as a leader in Maharashtra’s agricultural marketing sector, dedicated to enhancing the prosperity of farmers and ensuring food security across the state.

MEMBERSHIP

» Maharashtra State Government and
» Agricultural Marketing and Processing Societies other than cooperative sugar factories and spinning mills as on 31.3.2010, 794 Cooperative marketing societies are A-class members of the Federation. These members are having voting rights for election of the Directors of the Federation.

NOMINAL MEMBERS

All individuals, companies and other corporate bodies having business dealings with the Federation are admitted as Nominal Members. Co-operative Societies registered in Maharashtra & other states, other than those mentioned in the above paragraph, can be enrolled as Nominal Members. Nominal Members cannot vote or participate in the Federation’s Management. These members are also called as B-class members.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors consists of one representative each from all districts in the State elected by the Agricultural Marketing and Processing Societies, Managing Director of Federation as Ex-Officio Member, the Commissioner of Co-operation and Registrar, Co¬operative Societies, three representatives of women in the State who are members of the Co-operatives, one representative from State representing

» Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and
» Weaker Section of the community and three representatives of recognised employees union Besides, Directors of certain co¬operative institutions are also included in the Board, provided such representation is on reciprocal basis. Such institutions include Maharashtra State Consumers Federation, Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank and Maharashtra Rajya Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Sangh.

The Members of the Board are elected for a period of five years. The Chairman and the Vice Chairman are elected amongst the Board of Directors every year.

COMMITTEES

For the purpose of supervising and guiding the working of the Federation in different fields, Committees comprising a few members of the Board have been constituted. These Committees are Executive Committee, Staff Committee, Food grain and Machinery Committee. These Committees meet as and when required. The Board of Directors meet at least once in three months or more frequently depending on the official business.

The various activities undertaken by the MSCMF

The activities of the Federation focus primarily on bettering agricultural produce and pricing.

  1. Procurement of foodgrains lime Jowar, Maize, Bajara and Paddy etc. under Minimum Support Scheme of Govt of India.
  2. Manufacture of cattle feed with brand name “Vaibhav” and granulated fertilizers with brand name “Bhagirath”.
  3. Distribution of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural equipment and accessories
  4. Implementation of Mid Day School meal (Shaleya Poshan Aahar) sponsored by Education Department, Govt. of Maharashtra.

The importance of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Federation can be comprehended only when the sheer impact that it has on Maharashtra’s agricultural scene can be understood.

The State of Maharashtra is highly industrialized; still agriculture continues to be the main occupation of the rural people. The major crops grown in the state include rice, jowar, bajra, wheat, pulses, cotton, sugarcane, several oil seeds including sunflower, groundnut and soybean, turmeric, onions, and other vegetables. Maharashtra is also famous for its fruit production.