In a significant move to bolster the cooperative sector and enhance rural livelihoods, India has established 19,619 new multipurpose primary cooperative societies between February 15, 2023, and April 25, 2025.
These include Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Large-sized Adivasi Multi-Purpose Societies (LAMPS), and Fishery Service Societies (FSS), as per data from the National Cooperative Database.
In a recent tweet the Ministry of Cooperation reported “According to the data from the National Cooperative Database, a total of 19,619 new multipurpose primary (PACS/Dairy/Fisheries) societies have been established from February 15, 2023, to April 25, 2025. These MPACS include PACS, LAMPS, and FSS societies.”
This initiative aligns with the government’s ambitious plan to set up 200,000 multipurpose PACS, dairy, and fishery cooperatives over five years, aiming to ensure every panchayat has access to cooperative services.
The Ministry of Cooperation, under the leadership of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, is spearheading this effort to deepen the reach of cooperatives to the grassroots level.
The National Cooperative Database, launched in March 2023, plays a pivotal role in this expansion. It provides comprehensive, authentic, and updated information on cooperatives across the country, facilitating better planning and policy-making. The database has been developed in three phases, mapping over 7.91 lakh cooperatives with nearly 29.8 crore members.
The establishment of these new societies is expected to empower rural communities by providing them with access to credit, markets, and essential services. It also aims to create employment opportunities and promote economic development in rural areas.
The government has also introduced model bylaws for PACS, enabling them to undertake more than 25 business activities, including dairy, fishery, storage, and distribution of agricultural inputs. These bylaws have been adopted by 31 states and union territories, further strengthening the cooperative movement.
This concerted effort underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing the cooperative sector and ensuring inclusive growth for rural India.