International Conference on Unleashing Prosperity through Cooperatives: Digital Innovation and Value Chains
CICTAB is Organising an International Conference on:
"Unleashing Prosperity through Cooperatives: Digital Innovation and Value Chains"
13-15 February 2025 At VAMNICOM Pune (India)
for CICTAB Member Institutions in SAARC Countries
(CICTAB-MOC-VAMNICOM)
“Co-operative are not just a system with a network of laws and rules, but co-operative is a spirit, culture and a mindset of collective growth”
-Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Plenary Sessions
Exhibition
Exposure Visit
Organized by the Centre for International Cooperation and Training in Agricultural Banking (CICTAB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India
To mark 2025 United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) with the theme Cooperatives Build a Better World. CICTAB Announced International conference on “Unleashing Prosperity through Cooperatives: Digital Innovation and Value Chains” during 13 - 15 February 2025 at VAMNICOM Pune, India.
This Conference is designed to spotlight on how the cooperative model is an essential solution to overcome many global challenges and continues to play an important role in accelerating efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030
“Cooperation is deeply ingrained in the nature of the indian people ; it is not an important idea. Cooperation is a part of India's very culture . The Cooperative Movement in india can never be irrelevant”
-Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Minister of Cooperation, Government of India
Session Highlights
Exhibition and Networking
An exhibition showcasing cooperative products, services, and digital solutions, fostering networking and knowledge exchange among participants.
- Spotlight on Cooperative Innovations
- Networking Opportunities
- Showcasing Digital Transformation
- Inspiring Future Collaborations
Participating Countries
The CICTAB International Conference in Pune, India, will provide a platform for cooperatives and financial institutions from CICTAB Member Institutions in SAARC countries to come together, share knowledge, inspire each other and engage in democratic and active participation.
CICTAB has its member institutions from Six countries (SAARC countries). All these countries are differing in culture, cooperative structures, financial systems etc and they have their own specialty in different field. It will be great exchange platform for the participants.
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Cambodia
Gambia
Kenya
Namibia
Liberia
Mauritius
Zambia
Lao PDR
Speaker's Bio
Conference Director
Dr. Hema Yadav
Director of CICTAB & VAMNICOM
Dr. Hema Yadav, Director of CICTAB & VAMNICOM, is a leading expert in cooperative education and agricultural banking. With extensive experience in capacity building and institutional development, she has strengthened cooperative training initiatives across South Asia. Her research focuses on cooperative management, agricultural value chains, and digital transformation in rural financial institutions. Under her leadership, VAMNICOM has emerged as a premier institution for cooperative education and research, developing innovative training programs for cooperative leaders.
Chief Guest
Dr. Prasun Kumar Das
Secretary General of APRACA
Dr. Prasun Kumar Das, Secretary General of APRACA, brings extensive experience in agricultural finance and rural development across Asia-Pacific. His work focuses on strengthening rural financial institutions and promoting innovative financing mechanisms for agricultural cooperatives.He has led numerous initiatives to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers and has been instrumental in developing policy frameworks for cooperative financial institutions. His expertise spans agricultural value chain financing and digital financial services.
Mrs. Savitri Singh
Seasoned Cooperative Leader With Extensive Experience in Cooperative Governance, Policy Advocacy, and Institutional Development.
Mrs. Savitri Singh is a seasoned cooperative leader with extensive experience in cooperative governance, policy advocacy, and institutional development. As the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), she has played a key role in strengthening cooperative education and capacity-building programs across the country. She has been actively involved in national and international cooperative forums, advocating for policies that enhance the growth and resilience of cooperatives in India. Her leadership at NCUI continues to shape the cooperative sector by promoting innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, IAS
Director General of the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR)
Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, IAS currently serves as Director General of the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR), Hyderabad. With over three decades of experience in public administration, he has made significant contributions to rural development and cooperative sector reforms. His expertise spans agricultural marketing, rural infrastructure development, and institutional capacity building. He has led several innovative initiatives to strengthen grassroots-level cooperative institutions and has been instrumental in promoting digital technologies for rural development. His research work focuses on sustainable rural livelihoods and cooperative enterprise development.
Shri Shaji K V
Chairman of NABARD
Shri Shaji K V, as Chairman of NABARD, leads India's premier development financial institution focusing on rural prosperity and agricultural growth. His tenure has been marked by significant initiatives in cooperative banking reforms and digital financial inclusion. With over 30 years of experience in development banking, he has played a crucial role in strengthening rural credit cooperatives and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Under his leadership, NABARD has expanded its support for farmer producer organizations and agricultural value chain financing, while also promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices through cooperative structures.
Dr. Bhimaraya Metri
Director of IIM Nagpur
Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, is a distinguished academic leader with extensive experience in management education and research. His expertise spans strategic management, quality management, and digital transformation in business organizations. He has contributed significantly to developing management frameworks for cooperative enterprises and has been actively involved in capacity building programs for cooperative leaders. His research work focuses on sustainable business models and digital innovation in agricultural cooperatives, with numerous publications in international journals and several books to his credit.
Mrs. S. Kiriwandeniya
Managing Director of SANASA International
Mrs. S. Kiriwandeniya serves as Managing Director of SANASA International, Sri Lanka, leading one of South Asia's most successful cooperative movements. Under her leadership, SANASA has pioneered innovative approaches to microfinance and cooperative development, particularly focusing on women's empowerment and rural development. Her work has been instrumental in developing sustainable cooperative models that combine social impact with financial viability. She has extensive experience in cooperative governance and has implemented successful digital transformation initiatives in cooperative financial services.
Plenary Session 1: Digital Innovations in Cooperatives
Shri Sanjay Kumar Gupta
Chief General Manager in NABARD
Shri Sanjay Kumar Gupta is a Chief General Manager in NABARD, presently heading the Cooperative Sector Development Department (CSDD) at NABARD’s Head Office at Mumbai, which is currently implementing the Centrally Sponsored Project on PACS Computerization. He has been associated with NABARD for last over 28 years and handled responsibilities in various capacities, including supervision of Rural Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks in various states and implementation of revival package of Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure in the State of UP. Prior to the present portfolio, Shri Gupta was the Officer-in-Charge at NABARD’s Regional Office at Gangtok, Sikkim, where he was instrumental in spread of KCC campaign amongst dairy farmers and provision of micro-ATMS and PoS machines at the level of grass root cooperative societies in hilly, unbanked areas. He is an MBA (HR) and a Post Graduate Diploma holder in Rural Development. He is also a certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) and has accomplished certification courses in Risk and Treasury Management from NIBM, Pune.
Pallassana, Krishnan
Senior Specialist, Strategy and Partnerships at the India Country Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Pallassana, Krishnan is the Senior Specialist, Strategy and Partnerships at the India Country Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. He supports various strategic initiatives, especially around digital agriculture, data systems, private sector and institutional alliances. Krishnan comes with over 25 years of progressive engagements and over a decade of strategic leadership in the international sustainable development sector, specifically around climate resilience, rural livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and technology for development. He has led missions in India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. His prior experience includes as the Managing Director of Digital Green; India Director of The Climate Group, Country Director Afghanistan of Actionaid International and COO of Population Foundation.
Badri Kumar Guragain
Chief Executive Officer of the National Cooperative Bank Limited (NCBL)
Badri Kumar Guragain is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cooperative Bank Limited (NCBL), with over 17 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, management, consulting, and development. His leadership has strengthened Nepal’s cooperative banking landscape, fostering institutional growth and financial governance. Mr. Guragain specializes in business strategy, capacity building, performance improvement, and policy development. He holds a Master’s degree in Management and is a Chartered Accountant (CA) from both India and Nepal. He is the first Nepalese CA to complete specialized managerial training from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). He has held key roles such as Senior Technical Advisor at IPPF South Asia, Deputy General Manager at NCBL, Finance Director at FPAN, CEO at NEFSCUN, and Deputy Director at ICAN. He also serves as a Board Member of the Nepal Accounting Standards Board and an Advisor to Nepal's Social Security Fund. A distinguished speaker, Mr. Guragain, has addressed national and international conferences on IFRS, taxation, banking, and cooperatives. He received the “Prabal Janasewa Shree Chaturtha Shreni” medal from the President of Nepal for his contributions to the cooperative sector. As CEO of NCBL, he continues to champion financial literacy, digital financial services, and regulatory reforms, advocating for stronger SACCOS regulation and effective risk management.
Dr. M. S. Powar
Senior Manager (Marketing) at IFFCO State Office
Dr. M. S. Powar, Senior Manager (Marketing) at IFFCO State Office, Pune, brings extensive experience in agricultural input marketing through cooperative networks. His expertise spans fertilizer distribution systems, farmer outreach programs, and cooperative marketing strategies. Throughout his career at IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited), he has played a key role in strengthening the fertilizer supply chain and implementing digital solutions for better service delivery to farmer members. His work has been particularly significant in developing innovative approaches to agricultural input distribution through cooperative societies and ensuring timely availability of fertilizers to farmers.
Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sharma
State Head-Maharashtra for Common Service Centers
Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sharma, as State Head-Maharashtra for Common Service Centers, leads digital service delivery initiatives across rural and urban areas. His work focuses on implementing technology solutions that make government and business services accessible through cooperative structures. Under his leadership, CSC has expanded its network significantly in Maharashtra, creating digital access points that serve as bridges between government services and citizens. His expertise in digital service delivery and last-mile connectivity has been crucial in promoting digital literacy and financial inclusion.
Shri Ajit Bhale
Founder of Mettrav Systems
Shri Ajit Bhale, Founder of Mettrav Systems, is a pioneer in developing digital solutions for cooperative enterprises. His technological innovations have helped cooperatives modernize their operations and improve member services. His expertise spans cooperative management systems, digital payments, and data analytics for cooperative decision-making. Under his leadership, Mettrav has developed numerous successful digital platforms specifically designed for cooperative needs.
Case Study Showcase: Successful Cooperative Models
Shri Satish Marathe
Director at Reserve Bank of India
Shri Satish Marathe, Director at Reserve Bank of India, brings extensive experience in cooperative banking and financial sector regulation. His expertise has been crucial in developing regulatory frameworks for cooperative banks and promoting their modernization. His work focuses on strengthening cooperative financial institutions while ensuring their stability and growth. He has been instrumental in promoting reforms in the cooperative banking sector.
Dr. Shambu Prasad
Professor at IRMA
Dr. Shambu Prasad, Professor at IRMA, is a renowned expert in cooperative management and social innovation. His research focuses on knowledge dialogues in Indian agriculture and sustainable food systems. With extensive experience studying cooperative movements, he has published widely on institutional innovations in agriculture and rural development. He leads several research initiatives on digital transformation in agricultural cooperatives and has been instrumental in developing new frameworks for understanding cooperative enterprises in the contemporary economy.
Dr Ajit Kanitkar
Researcher and policy analyst based in Pune
Dr Ajit Kanitkar is a researcher and policy analyst based in Pune. Over a career spanning 35 years, he has worked as a researcher at Vikasanvesh Foundation, as a programme officer at Ford Foundation as well as Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and as a faculty member at IRMA Anand. He is associated with several civil society organisations, including his alma mater Jnana Prabodhini in Pune, as a volunteer. Ajit has published extensively, including four books on social enterprise, women entrepreneurship, and farmer producer companies.
Mr. Washingtone Mogire
eputy Secretary for Cooperatives and SMEs in Kenya
Mr. Washingtone Mogire, serving as Deputy Secretary for Cooperatives and SMEs in Kenya, has played a pivotal role in transforming Kenya's cooperative sector. His work focuses on modernizing cooperative governance structures and implementing digital solutions for cooperative management. He has successfully led initiatives to integrate Kenyan cooperatives into global value chains and has been instrumental in developing policies that support cooperative growth. His expertise in cooperative law and governance has influenced cooperative policy development across East Africa.
Jigisha Mehata
Managing Director
Jigisha Mehata, Managing Director, Sewa Cooperative Federation is a seasoned leader and expert in women's empowerment, community development, and cooperative management. As the Managing Director of SEWA Cooperative Federation, she has spearheaded initiatives empowering women and marginalized communities. With over 11 years of experience in the development sector, Jigisha is a highly respected leader dedicated to empowering grassroots communities, particularly women. Her expertise spans building financial viability, leading disaster relief operations, and driving strategic growth of organizations. A seasoned operational leader, Jigisha has successfully led operations, executed large-scale programs, and driven impactful change.
Mr. Aligireddy Praveen Reddy
President, Mulkanoor Cooperative Rural Credit and Marketing Society Limited
Mr. Aligireddy Praveen Reddy, President, Mulkanoor Cooperative Rural Credit and Marketing Society Limited contributed in developing the Mulkanoor Cooperative by introducing several schemes for the betterment of the farmer members. He has introduced welfare schemes, payment of bonus on Agriculture produce of Members (Paddy, Paddy Seeds and Cotton) Procured by the society, and introduced Insurance schemes from the own funds of the society. Agricultural scientist are being invited to the society to equip with the up to date knowledge of new Agricultural techniques, to the farmer members, besides sending them to Agricultural seminars and melas, Animal health care also looked into by conducting yearly animal health camps, in all (14) villages of the Area of operation with the help of Veterinary officials. He is constantly reviewing the affairs of the society with the support of Board of Directors, village development committee and land monitoring committee Members. Constituted for each village and others and taking steps for betterment and development of the society.
Atul Suru
onal In-Charge Pune at Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF)
Atul Suru, as Zonal In-Charge Pune at Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), brings extensive experience in dairy cooperative operations and marketing. His work focuses on strengthening the dairy value chain and implementing innovative marketing strategies. Under his leadership, GCMMF has expanded its market presence in the Pune zone while maintaining strong connections with dairy farmer cooperatives. His expertise spans cooperative marketing, quality management, and supply chain optimization.
Plenary Session 2: Challenges and Opportunities in Value Chains
Dr. Alok Kumar Singh
Faculty Member at IIM Nagpur
Dr. Alok Kumar Singh, Faculty Member at IIM Nagpur, brings extensive expertise in agricultural economics and cooperative business models. His research focuses on value chain development and digital transformation in agricultural cooperatives.He has published extensively on cooperative governance and sustainable business practices, contributing significantly to understanding how cooperatives can compete effectively in modern markets. His work includes developing frameworks for measuring cooperative performance and impact.
Shri Srinivas Sajja
as Managing Director of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Limited
Shri Srinivas Sajja, as Managing Director of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Limited, leads one of India's most successful cooperative sectors. His expertise in dairy value chain development and cooperative management has strengthened India's dairy cooperative network. Under his leadership, NCDFI has implemented significant digital innovations in milk procurement and payment systems. His work has been crucial in maintaining India's position as the world's largest milk producer through cooperative structures.
Smt. Sayali Mahadik
is a project expert at Fairtrade Network of Asia & Pacific Producers (NAPP)
Smt. Sayali Mahadik is a project expert at Fairtrade Network of Asia & Pacific Producers (NAPP). She contributes to sustainable agricultural value chains, specializing in Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), buyer networks, and enterprise development. With a passion for fostering sustainability, she excels in creating systems that benefit farmers, connecting them through FPOs, establishing buyer networks, and driving enterprise development. Her dedication to building resilient and equitable agricultural ecosystems, ensuring fair prices and empowerment for farmers while promoting sustainable practices throughout the entire agricultural value chain. Committed to creating eco-friendly solutions for a greener, more sustainable future.
Dr. Ritesh Kumar,
Senior Project Manager-Institution Building at JEEViKA
Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Senior Project Manager-Institution Building at JEEViKA, brings extensive experience in rural development and institutional capacity building. His work focuses on strengthening community-based organizations and promoting sustainable livelihoods through cooperative approaches. At JEEViKA (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society), he has successfully implemented innovative models for women's self-help groups and farmer producer organizations. His expertise spans institutional development, value chain integration, and digital financial inclusion, making significant contributions to poverty alleviation and rural economic development in Bihar.
Himanshu Rattan
Partner and Head – Food, Agri and Allied Services, Government and Public Services (G&PS)
Himanshu Rattan, Partner and Head – Food, Agri and Allied Services, Government and Public Services (G&PS) has more than 20 years of experience and has worked in several areas of management and technology consulting in the Government domain. He leads the Food, Agri and Allied Services (FAAS) practice for G&PS and has led numerous engagements such as State level PMU for Doorstep Ration delivery;State level PMU for Agriculture Infrastructure Fund; State level PMU for Co-operative Development; Good practices study across national programs such as e-NAM, PMKSY, PMFBY; Investment Promotion in the Agriculture and Food Processing sector in multiple States; Promotion of Startups in the Agri-tech domain etc. • He is an eminent speaker and has been a part of panel discussions both in India (World Food India, Bengaluru Tech Summit, PHD Chambers My India My Startup Event, American Center’s Nexus Incubator event, Invest Punjab Investment Promotion Summits, Directorate General of Hydrocarbon’s Investment Promotion roadshows, IoT Convergence conferences etc) and abroad (Ministry of Petroleum’s Investment Promotion roadshows at Dubai – moderated session chaired by Cabinet Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan etc.)
Azhar Tambuwala
has been involved in the field of agriculture
Azhar Tambuwala has been involved in the field of agriculture, in India since 1995 with a focus on global markets. A journey which led to the understanding of farming issues and the international playing field. From a largely unorganized sector he has helped build and create along with 800 farmer shareholders, today, India’s largest Farmer Producer Company, Sahyadri Farms. This has taken him across the world and within India. Pioneering many firsts from the country, he sits on the Board of Sahyadri Farms and that of other companies too, ranging from Horticulture, Technology and Pharma. Is actively involved in the social space by leading The Raahat Foundation to promote art, culture, and literature & empower women, especially HIV infected, to face their lives in society. He is also an active Rotarian. Being a sports enthusiast and a runner, having run in 70 world cities, he also sits on the Board of Blue Brigade Sports Foundation to promote running across the country.
Plenary Session 3: Value Chain Sustainability in Cooperatives
Dr. P. Chandra Shekara
Director General of CIRDAP in Bangladesh
Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP in Bangladesh, is a distinguished expert in rural development and agricultural extension. With over three decades of experience, he has led transformative initiatives across Asia-Pacific, focusing on integrated rural development approaches. His expertise spans institutional development, agricultural innovation systems, and cooperative strengthening. He has published extensively on rural development strategies and has been instrumental in developing policy frameworks that promote sustainable agricultural practices through cooperative structures.
Dr. Amar KJR Nayak
Professor at XIM-B and Principal Investigator for Sustainable Ecological Systems
Dr. Amar KJR Nayak, Professor at XIM-B and Principal Investigator for Sustainable Ecological Systems, combines academic expertise with practical experience in sustainable development. His research focuses on ecological approaches to cooperative development and sustainable value chains.He has developed innovative frameworks for measuring sustainability in cooperative enterprises and has published extensively on strategic management in cooperative contexts. His work bridges theoretical understanding with practical implementation of sustainable business practices.
Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi
Professor at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India
Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Professor at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, specializes in cooperative entrepreneurship and social enterprise development. His research focuses on innovative business models for cooperative enterprises and digital transformation strategies.He has conducted extensive studies on cooperative success factors and has developed training programs for cooperative leaders. His work has significantly contributed to understanding how cooperatives can adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining their social mission.
Shri Amol Bhongale
Programme Manager at SWaCH Pune Seva Sahakari Sanstha Ltd.
Shri Amol Bhongale, Programme Manager at SWaCH Pune Seva Sahakari Sanstha Ltd., leads one of India's largest waste-picker cooperatives. He followed his passion for writing and communication by studying Community Media at the School of Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. He has worked with environmental policy centres, filmmakers, and theatre directors on projects spanning community development, sustainable tourism, and screenplay writing.Currently leading the outreach and communication team at SWaCH and allied waste picker organizations in Pune, Amogh plays a key role in crafting communication strategies and implementing outreach campaigns. He has represented SWaCH at various national and international forums, including the Zero Waste Academy Global Cohort by GAIA and Mother Earth Foundation, where he shared insights on Pune’s waste picker-led sustainable waste management model.
Dr. Prasun Kumar Das
Secretary General of APRACA
Dr. Prasun Kumar Das, Secretary General of APRACA, brings extensive experience in agricultural finance and rural development across Asia-Pacific. His work focuses on strengthening rural financial institutions and promoting innovative financing mechanisms for agricultural cooperatives.He has led numerous initiatives to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers and has been instrumental in developing policy frameworks for cooperative financial institutions. His expertise spans agricultural value chain financing and digital financial services.
Shri Christudas Karayil Victor
CEO of ESAF Swasraya Multi State Agro Cooperative Society
Shri Christudas Karayil Victor, CEO of ESAF Swasraya Multi State Agro Cooperative Society, leads one of India's innovative agricultural cooperative initiatives. His work focuses on developing sustainable agricultural value chains and promoting farmer prosperity through cooperative structures. Under his leadership, ESAF has implemented significant digital innovations in agricultural marketing and member services. His expertise in cooperative management and sustainable agriculture has made ESAF a model for agricultural cooperative development.
Shri Ashwin Save
Co-Founder and COO of BIOFUEL CIRCLE
Shri Ashwin Save, Co-Founder and COO of BIOFUEL CIRCLE, leads innovative initiatives in sustainable energy through cooperative structures. His expertise in renewable energy and circular economy has helped develop new models for cooperative enterprise in the energy sector. Under his leadership, BIOFUEL CIRCLE has pioneered community-based approaches to biofuel production and distribution.His work demonstrates how cooperatives can play a crucial role in sustainable energy transition while creating economic opportunities for rural communities.
Plenary Session 4: Unleashing Prosperity through Cooperatives
Shri Rajendra Jog
Country Director of Syngenta Foundation India
Shri Rajendra Jog, Country Director of Syngenta Foundation India, leads initiatives that strengthen agricultural value chains through cooperative approaches. His expertise in agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices has helped transform smallholder agriculture.Under his leadership, the foundation has implemented significant digital innovations in agricultural extension and market linkages. His work focuses on creating sustainable agricultural systems through cooperative structures and innovative financing mechanisms.
Shri Rishikesh Kashyap
Managing Director of Bihar Rajya Matsyajivi Sahakari Sangh (COFFED)
Shri Rishikesh Kashyap, Managing Director of Bihar Rajya Matsyajivi Sahakari Sangh (COFFED), rose from a fisherman community to transform Bihar's fisheries cooperative sector. Born in 1975, he combined academic excellence with grassroots activism, earning degrees in Industrial Fish and Fisheries while leading community organizing efforts.His innovative approach to cooperative development has integrated best practices from across India, including fish by-product marketing from West Bengal, health insurance from Kerala, and fishermen's insurance from Madhya Pradesh. Under his leadership, COFFED has become a model for sustainable fisheries cooperation and community empowerment.
Shri Binod Anand
Executive President of World Cooperative Economic Framework
Shri Binod Anand, Executive President of World Cooperative Economic Framework, brings global perspective to cooperative development. His work focuses on international cooperative collaboration and economic integration.He has been instrumental in developing frameworks for cross-border cooperative partnerships and has extensive experience in cooperative policy development. His expertise in cooperative economics and global value chains has influenced cooperative development strategies worldwide.
Dr. Manjusha Kadam
Director of Fundraising and Partnerships at SSP India
Dr. Manjusha Kadam, Director of Fundraising and Partnerships at SSP India, leads strategic initiatives for women's empowerment through cooperative structures. Her expertise in developing sustainable funding models and building institutional partnerships has strengthened grassroots cooperative movements.She has pioneered innovative approaches to women's economic empowerment through cooperative enterprises and has successfully implemented digital solutions for rural women entrepreneurs. Her work has been particularly impactful in creating sustainable livelihoods through cooperative models.
Dr. Medha Purao Samant
Founder of Annapurna Pariwar
Dr. Medha Purao Samant, Founder of Annapurna Pariwar, has established one of India's most successful urban cooperative networks focusing on women's economic empowerment. Under her leadership, Annapurna Pariwar has developed innovative financial services and social security programs for urban poor women.Her work combines cooperative principles with sustainable business practices, creating a model that balances social impact with financial sustainability. She has been instrumental in developing urban cooperative models that address both economic and social needs.
Shri Vinod Raut
Chief - Operations and Strategy Global Synergizers
Shri Vinod Raut, Chief - Operations and Strategy Global Synergizers, Pune brings extensive experience working with renowned national and international organizations such as GIZ, UNDP, AIC, ASCI, AFC, L&T, and MAVIM. His domain expertise lies in the agriculture sector, where he specializes in supporting backward and forward linkages, and integrating smallholding farmers into sustainable agriculture value chains. With nearly 12 years of experience in agriculture, women empowerment, and skill development sectors, Vinod has successfully monitored agricultural projects in rural settings, specifically with smallholder producers in agri/horticulture value chains.He possesses strong skills in data collection, database management, and data analysis, having extensively worked on scoping and evaluation studies within the agri value chain setup. Vinod has directly interacted with over 3000 farmers and other stakeholders involved in agri-related projects, gaining invaluable insights into their challenges and needs. Leading teams of surveyors in research projects across various states such as Maharashtra, M.P., Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha, Vinod excels in training and monitoring teams to collect relevant and authentic data. As a Partner at Global Synergizers, Vinod is committed to creating a lasting impact for rural India. He believes in enabling the better engagement of a large part of the community in driving the nation’s economic growth. Vinod’s field expertise allows him to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data to derive actionable recommendations. Contact Vinod today to explore how his expertise can contribute to sustainable agriculture, rural development, and the economic empowerment of communities.
Plenary Session 5: Global Cooperation: key takeaways and actionable insights
Prof. V.B. Khanapuri
as Dean SRIC at IIM Mumbai
Prof. V.B. Khanapuri, as Dean SRIC at IIM Mumbai, brings extensive academic expertise in management education and research. His work focuses on strategic management and institutional development, with particular emphasis on cooperative enterprises.He has contributed significantly to understanding cooperative business models and has developed frameworks for cooperative governance. His research work has influenced cooperative policy and management practices across various sectors.
Valedictory Ceremony
Shri Murlidhar Mohol
Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation
Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Government of India, brings extensive experience in cooperative policy and governance. His leadership has been crucial in developing new frameworks for cooperative development and promoting digital transformation in the cooperative sector.His work focuses on strengthening cooperative institutions while ensuring their relevance in modern economic contexts.
Shri Siddharth Jain, IAS
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation
Shri Siddharth Jain, IAS, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, leads key initiatives in cooperative sector development. His expertise spans cooperative policy, institutional development, and regulatory frameworks.He has been instrumental in implementing reforms to strengthen cooperative institutions and promote their modernization. His work focuses on creating an enabling environment for cooperative growth while ensuring good governance.
Prof. Partha Ray
Director of NIBM Pune
Prof. Partha Ray, Director of NIBM Pune, is a distinguished economist and financial sector expert. His research focuses on banking sector reforms and cooperative financial institutions. With extensive experience in policy making and academic leadership,he has contributed significantly to understanding the role of cooperative banks in financial inclusion. His work has been particularly influential in developing frameworks for cooperative bank governance and risk management.
Guidelines for Presentation
To ensure smooth time management and an effective session, we request you to present the successful cooperative models as per the guidelines
For more Details Click Here
Exhibition Stalls
As part of the networking session, exhibition stalls will be provided to all CICTAB member institutions at no cost. These stalls will be located on the VAMNICOM campus.
We look forward to welcoming you and your team to the VAMNICOM campus in Pune, Maharashtra, India for the International Conference on “Unleashing Prosperity through Cooperatives: Digital Innovation and Value Chains” from 13-15 February 2025.
Register For Your Stalls on the Exhibition Registration Form