PM unveils Transformative Initiatives to revolutionize Co-op Sector

Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several transformative initiatives for the cooperative sector including the pilot project of the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme in Cooperative Sector,’ spanning 11 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACSs) across 11 states.

In a monumental stride towards fortifying the cooperative sector of the nation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several transformative initiatives for the cooperative sector including the pilot project of the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme in Cooperative Sector,’ spanning 11 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACSs) across 11 states.

Complementing this milestone, the Prime Minister initiated the foundation stone laying ceremony for an additional 500 PACSs nationwide, aimed at bolstering the establishment of granaries and other agricultural infrastructure. Concurrently, he inaugurated the project for the computerization of 18,000 PACSs.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Arjun Munda, Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Cooperation Shri BL Verma, and several others.

Addressing the audience, Shri Amit Shah underscored Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the cooperative sector. He emphasized the significance of establishing a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation, a longstanding demand that found fruition under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Shah articulated the imperative of modernizing and enhancing transparency within the cooperative sector to ensure its relevance in contemporary times. Highlighting the strides made since the inception of the Ministry of Cooperation, Shah delineated the sector’s transition towards heightened dynamism, propelled by over 54 pioneering initiatives. He envisioned a rejuvenated cooperative sector, poised to serve the nation for the ensuing 125 years, catalyzed by Prime Minister Modi’s transformative decisions.

Shah elucidated the commencement of the comprehensive computerization of over 18,000 PACSs, marking a watershed moment in enhancing transparency and efficiency within the sector. He lauded the swift implementation of the project, with plans underway to computerize an additional 30,000 PACSs imminently. Shah emphasized the multifaceted benefits of PACSs’ computerization, ranging from transparency augmentation to fostering entrepreneurial opportunities.

Furthermore, Shah elaborated on the formulation of new bye-laws for PACSs, heralding a diverse array of activities encompassing dairy farming, water management, and retail services. He emphasized the integration of PACSs into various developmental endeavors, facilitated by their computerization and adherence to updated bye-laws. Shah revealed Prime Minister Modi’s approval of substantial funds for PACSs’ computerization, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the cooperative sector’s infrastructure.

Delving into the groundbreaking cooperative food grain storage scheme, Shah delineated its meticulous planning and alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s visionary outlook. He detailed the phased implementation approach, beginning with a pilot project encompassing 11 PACSs, subsequently expanding to 500 godowns nationwide. Shah underscored the scheme’s modernization and scientific orientation, characterized by state-of-the-art facilities and equipment aimed at enhancing farmers’ access to advanced agricultural practices.

Shah concluded by outlining the scheme’s pivotal role in augmenting India’s storage capacity, aligning it with global standards and mitigating farmer vulnerabilities. He envisioned a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, facilitated by the symbiotic relationship between PACSs and farmers, underpinned by modern infrastructure and technological interventions.

Apart from the PM and Union Ministers participation, the who’s who of the cooperative sector was also present with full zeal and energy on the occasion. ICA-AP President and Kribhco Chairman Chandra Pal Singh, IFFCO Chairman Dileepbhai Sanghani, Managing Director Dr U S Awasthi, National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited Chairman Harshverdhan Patil, Cooperative Bank of India Chairman Ajay Patel, NCCF Chairman Vishal Singh, Nafcub President Laxmi Das, MSC Bank Chairman Vidyadhar Anaskar and others were present.

Several state cooperative ministers including Uttarakhand Cooperation Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, Madhya Pradesh Cooperation Minister Vishwas Sarang, Bihar Cooperation Minister Prem Kumar and others also participated.