Odisha’s Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are witnessing a renewed thrust towards modernization and diversification, aimed at strengthening grassroots cooperatives and improving farmer access to credit and services.
According to the National Cooperative Database, the state has 4,262 PACS as of January 20, 2026, of which 4,147 are functional. To modernise operations, 4,240 PACS in Odisha have been sanctioned under the computerization project, with Rs 18.07 crore released during FY 2025–26 to bring them onto a common ERP-based national software platform. This move is expected to improve transparency, enable real-time accounting and speed up loan disbursals.
The Ministry of Cooperation, since its formation in July 2021, has rolled out several initiatives under the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi,” including new model bye-laws that allow PACS to undertake over 25 business activities such as dairy, fisheries and foodgrain procurement.
PACS are also being integrated into a decentralized grain storage plan to curb distress sales. Additionally, cash transaction limits for PACS members have been raised to Rs 2 lakh, boosting business activity and financial inclusion.
