The Punjab State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd.

Introduction: The Pillar of Punjab’s Cooperative Movement

Established in 1954, The Punjab State Co-operative Supply & Marketing Federation Ltd., popularly known as MARKFED, stands today as one of Asia’s largest marketing cooperatives, playing a pivotal role in supporting farmers, ensuring food security, and boosting agro-industrial growth. With a turnover of approximately ₹22,000 crores in 2024, Markfed’s influence spans from procurement to processing, and from local retail to international exports.

Markfed is more than just a marketing federation. It acts as a lifeline for Punjab’s agricultural economy, functioning as a State Procurement Agency responsible for purchasing Wheat and Paddy under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme on behalf of the Central Government. Since 1967, this has been an integral part of India’s food procurement system.

Furthering its farmer-first mission, Markfed also supplies fertilizers, especially to small and marginal farmers, covering nearly 60% of all cooperative-distributed fertilizer stocks in Punjab. In doing so, it not only supports timely agricultural input distribution but also strengthens rural livelihoods.

SOHNA: A Trusted Name in Every Indian Kitchen

One of Markfed’s most recognized and celebrated initiatives is its “SOHNA” brand, which has carved a niche in both domestic and international food markets. The name “SOHNA” reflects purity, quality, and taste — values that define Markfed’s production and marketing ethos.

SOHNA products are manufactured and processed at two key locations:

• Markfed Vanaspati & Allied Industries, Khanna
• Markfed Canneries, Jalandhar

The product portfolio is diverse, offering items that span across categories such as:

• Edible oils (Vanaspati, Refined Oils, Mustard Oil)
• Grocery staples (Pulses, Wheat Flour, Rice, Salt, Tea)
• Processed foods (Pickles, Tomato Ketchup, Jams, Spices, Vinegar)
• Wellness products (Honey, Aloe Vera Juice, Amla Juice, Murabba, Shakkar, Dalia)
• Ready-to-eat meals, suitable for modern lifestyles and bulk institutions

A noteworthy milestone was the successful testing of SOHNA Honey, which cleared the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) test for purity conducted in Germany through Centre for Science & Environment (CSE), Delhi. In contrast to several leading brands that failed the test, SOHNA emerged as a symbol of unadulterated natural goodness.

Markfed’s Food Processing Infrastructure

1. Markfed Vanaspati & Allied Industries (MVAI), Khanna

Located on 23 acres in Khanna, Ludhiana, this state-of-the-art unit specializes in Vanaspati and Refined Edible Oils. The licensed processing capacity stands at 100 tonnes per day (TPD). MVAI plays a vital role in producing quality cooking oils under strict quality control standards, ensuring affordability and safety for consumers across Punjab and beyond.

2. Markfed Canneries, Jalandhar

Spread over 11 acres in village Chuharwali, Jalandhar, Markfed Canneries is the processing hub for a vast range of food and wellness products. It is strategically divided into the following production categories:

• Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Products: Prepared meals that cater to modern consumers looking for taste and convenience.
• Bottled Products: Includes popular items like Tomato Ketchup, Puree, Jams, Pickles, Gulab Sharbat, and Vinegar.
• Wellness and Nutraceuticals: Traditional Ayurvedic and wellness-based products such as Amla Juice, Aloe Vera Juice, Honey, Murabba, and Herbal Candies.
• Pulses and Grains: Including Moong Dal, Kabuli Channa, Black Channa, all sourced directly from trusted agricultural cooperatives and farmers.
• Spices and Beverages: Offering a curated range of blended spices and teas, suited to both home consumers and institutional buyers.

This facility showcases Markfed’s commitment to value addition, processing innovation, and nutritional integrity—fostering a self-reliant agricultural supply chain.

Expanding Horizons: Domestic Institutions and Global Markets

Markfed’s excellence in procurement, processing, and packaging has earned it an enviable client base. It serves:

• National Institutions and Government Bodies:
  Markfed is a trusted supplier for Paramilitary Canteens, Religious Trusts like the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and spiritual organizations such as Dera Beas.

• Public Sector and Healthcare Institutions:
  Long-standing partnerships with PGIMER Chandigarh, Punjab University, and CITCO further attest to its credibility and quality assurance.

• Exports and Global Outreach:
  With strict adherence to international food safety norms, Markfed has successfully expanded its product presence to markets in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Middle East. This international footprint reflects both the trust placed in SOHNA products and the export-readiness of Punjab’s agri-based industries.

A Catalyst for Rural Development

Markfed’s contributions extend far beyond food processing. It plays a critical role in:

• Generating Rural Employment: Through its factories, warehouses, and distribution network, Markfed creates thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in Punjab.
• Ensuring Price Stability: By acting as a state procurement agency under MSP, Markfed protects farmers from market volatility and ensures stable incomes.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: With an increasing focus on organic products, eco-friendly packaging, and supply chain optimization, Markfed is steadily aligning with India’s sustainability goals.
• Strengthening Cooperative Networks: By working closely with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and cooperative societies, Markfed fortifies the grassroots of India’s rural economy.

Modernization and Innovation

Markfed is now embracing technological modernization to enhance operational efficiency and transparency. Key focus areas includes:

• Digital Supply Chain Management: For better traceability and logistics optimization.
• Cold Chain Infrastructure: Especially for perishables like fruits, vegetables, and dairy-based wellness products.
• E-commerce Integration: Making SOHNA products available through digital platforms for both retail and bulk consumers.
• Green and Clean Manufacturing: Implementation of solar energy, waste management, and eco-friendly production systems across its plants.

In line with Punjab’s Vision 2030, Markfed aims to double farmers’ income, expand exports, and elevate food processing capacity to meet the demands of a growing and health-conscious population.