The Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation (ISAC), a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is implemented through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). This scheme aims to strengthen agricultural cooperatives by providing financial assistance for various developmental activities in agriculture and allied sectors. By fostering cooperative efforts, ISAC seeks to improve economic conditions, address regional imbalances, and promote sustainable growth in rural areas.

What is the ISAC Scheme?

The ISAC scheme is a comprehensive initiative designed to support cooperatives engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. It provides grant-in-aid and financial assistance for projects related to marketing, processing, storage, computerization, skill development, and other activities that enhance the productivity and profitability of cooperatives.

The scheme also focuses on uplifting weaker sections, women, and labor cooperatives, ensuring inclusivity and equitable development across all regions of the country.

Key Objectives of the ISAC Scheme

1. Economic Empowerment :
   • Provide financial assistance to cooperatives to improve their economic conditions.
2. Regional Balance :
   • Remove regional imbalances and accelerate cooperative development in agricultural and allied sectors.
3. Cotton Growers’ Support :
   • Help cotton growers achieve better prices by adding value to their produce and ensuring access to quality yarn for decentralized weavers.
4. District-Level Development :
   • Promote overall development in selected districts through integrated cooperative efforts.
5. Skill Development :
   • Assist national-level cooperative federations and multi-state cooperative societies (MSCS) in undertaking promotional and skill development activities.

Components of the Scheme

The ISAC scheme provides financial assistance for the following components;

1. Marketing, Processing, and Storage :
   • Assistance for programs related to marketing, processing, and storage of agricultural produce.
2. Computerization :
   • Support for the computerization of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS), District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), and State Cooperative Banks (SCBs).
3. Technical & Promotional (T&P) Cell :
   • Strengthening the management of State Cooperative Federations through subsidies on a tapering basis.
4. Cotton Development :
   • Assistance for ginning and pressing activities, as well as the establishment, modernization, expansion, or rehabilitation of cooperative spinning mills.
5. Integrated Cooperative Development Projects (ICDP) :
   • Focused development projects in selected districts to uplift agriculture and allied sectors.

Grant-in-Aid Under ISAC

The grant-in-aid percentage varies based on the level of cooperative development in different states.

1. Cooperatively Least Developed States :
   • Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura: 25% grant-in-aid .
2. Cooperatively Under-Developed States :
   • Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep: 20% grant-in-aid.
3. Cooperatively Developed States :
   • Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Puducherry, and Delhi: 15% grant-in-aid.

Who is Eligible for the ISAC Scheme?

Eligible Sectors :

• Agricultural marketing, processing, storage, computerization, and weaker sections.
• Plantation/horticultural crops, SC/ST cooperatives, tribal cooperatives, hill area cooperatives, dairy, poultry, livestock, fisheries, handloom, coir, jute, cash crops, sericulture, etc.

Eligible Organizations :

• Cooperatives are registered under the Cooperative Societies Act of their respective states.
• Undertaking activities related to agriculture and allied sectors, such as marketing, storage, processing of agricultural produce, and supply of agricultural inputs.
• Financially viable with a good track record.
• Should not be less than three years old, with a positive net worth for the last three years.

Exceptions :

• For government-sponsored projects, the age and financial viability conditions may be relaxed on a case-to-case basis by the Managing Director of NCDC.

How to Apply – Offline Process

The application process for the ISAC scheme is offline. Here’s how cooperatives can apply;

1. Contact Relevant Authorities :
   • Reach out to the Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS), Commissioner in charge of specific programs, Agriculture & Cooperation Department, or Regional Offices of NCDC.
2. Obtain Application Forms :
   • Download the Common Loan Application Forms from the NCDC website under the heading “Application Form.”
3. Submit Application :
   • Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents to the concerned authority.
4. Regional Office Details :
   • The list of NCDC’s Regional Offices, their jurisdictions, contact numbers, and email addresses is available on the NCDC website under the heading “Regional Directorate.”

Essential Documents

The documents required vary depending on the nature and size of the project. NCDC prescribes the necessary documentation, which may include;

1. Registration certificate under the Cooperative Societies Act.
2. Proof of financial viability and net worth for the last three years.
3. Project proposal detailing the activity, budget, and expected outcomes.
4. Any additional documents specified by NCDC for specific projects?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the ISAC scheme?
It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by NCDC to provide financial assistance to cooperatives for agricultural and allied sector development.

Q2. Who is eligible for the ISAC scheme?
Registered cooperatives engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, financially viable with a good track record, and meeting the age criteria are eligible.

Q3. What types of projects are eligible for financial assistance?
Projects related to marketing, processing, storage, computerization, cotton development, and integrated cooperative development are eligible.

Q4. How much financial assistance is available?
The grant-in-aid ranges from 15% to 25%, depending on the state’s level of cooperative development.

Q5. How can cooperatives apply for the scheme?
Cooperatives can apply offline by contacting relevant authorities and submitting the Common Loan Application Form.

Q6. What are the benefits of the ISAC scheme?
The scheme empowers cooperatives by providing financial assistance, improving infrastructure, promoting skill development, and ensuring inclusive growth.

Why Choose the ISAC Scheme?

The ISAC scheme is a lifeline for agricultural cooperatives, enabling them to overcome financial constraints and achieve sustainable growth. By offering grant-in-aid and technical support, the scheme ensures that cooperatives can modernize, expand, and contribute to the socio-economic development of rural areas.

Official Website

Scheme Guidelines

Application Form

If your cooperative is looking to undertake projects in agriculture or allied sectors, the ISAC scheme offers the perfect opportunity to secure financial assistance and drive impactful change. Apply today and take the first step toward cooperative empowerment!