Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies

In a significant move towards strengthening the cooperative sector, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the government’s ambitious plan to establish 2 lakh multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) within the next five years. The announcement came during the launch of 10,000 new PACS on Wednesday, marking a milestone in the government’s vision for cooperative-driven development.

A Roadmap for Cooperative Prosperity

Addressing the gathering, Shah emphasized the importance of grassroots-level cooperatives in achieving prosperity through collaboration. “Until cooperatives operate efficiently at the panchayat level, prosperity via collaboration cannot be achieved,” he stated. He further expressed confidence in surpassing the five-year timeline, given the rapid progress already made. “In three months, we established 10,000 new PACS,” he noted.

Two-Phase Implementation Plan

The rollout of this program will occur in two distinct phases:

• Phase 1:
• Phase 2:

These efforts are expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, dairy production, and fisheries management, fostering a robust rural economy.

SOP for Liquidation and New Initiatives

As part of the program, Shah also unveiled standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the liquidation of underperforming PACS. This move aims to pave the way for establishing new cooperatives in 15,000 villages, ensuring that the initiative reaches previously underserved areas.

Strengthening Rural Foundations

The establishment of PACS is anticipated to serve as a foundation for enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, dairy producers, and fisherfolk. These cooperatives will provide essential services such as credit, storage, and marketing, while promoting collective growth and self-sufficiency at the village level.

A New Era for Cooperatives in India

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to revitalizing the cooperative sector and empowering rural communities. The structured and phased approach is expected to transform the agricultural and allied sectors, positioning cooperatives as a cornerstone of India’s economic development.

With rapid strides already being made, the target of 2 lakh PACS by 2029 appears well within reach, setting the stage for a new era of cooperative-driven prosperity.