The Ministry of Cooperation launched its nationwide reform push with the first regional workshop held in Jaipur, aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative sector and advancing the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi.”
Guided by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative focuses on building a self-reliant rural economy through cooperative-led development.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Centre, States and key institutions including NABARD, along with representatives from cooperative bodies across India. It served as a platform to review ongoing schemes, identify challenges, and develop time-bound action plans for the financial year 2026–27.
A major highlight was the review of the world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector. Discussions focused on decentralised storage infrastructure, faster loan approvals, land identification, and timely project execution. Agencies such as Food Corporation of India, NAFED, NCCF, Central Warehousing Corporation and State Warehousing Corporations presented progress reports and future plans.
The workshop also emphasised expanding and strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), particularly through the formation of multipurpose PACS. States shared district-level targets for new cooperatives, business diversification, and increased credit and deposit activities. Efforts are being made to improve income generation and operational efficiency at the grassroots level.
Another key session focused on onboarding PACS under the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) framework. Officials discussed simplified procedures, training support, and benefits to improve transparency and accessibility in warehousing services.
Dairy and fisheries cooperatives were also a priority area, with discussions on enhancing productivity, expanding membership, strengthening procurement systems, and building sustainable value chains. Strategies to revive weak cooperatives and integrate them with formal financial systems were also explored.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to modernising the cooperative sector through transparency, professional management, and stronger collaboration among cooperatives. The Jaipur workshop marks the beginning of a broader reform drive expected to accelerate rural development and economic inclusion across the country.
