The Ministry of Cooperation has presented a bundle of measures aimed at strengthening the cooperative economy in dairy, sugar and agricultural services. The measures matter because they connect rural credit institutions, farmer-linked processing, ethanol policy and cooperative governance under the idea of Sahakar-se-Samriddhi.
What the Ministry of Cooperation has said
The Ministry of Cooperation said that, since its inception on 06 July 2021, it has taken steps in eight areas to support cooperatives across the country, including Maharashtra. The stated objective is to strengthen cooperative viability, expand business options for cooperative institutions and improve value realisation for farmers.
Major measures listed by the Ministry of Cooperation
The Ministry of Cooperation listed the following measures:
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): Model bye-laws were introduced so that PACS can undertake more than 25 business activities and improve governance, transparency and accountability. PACS can also function as PM-Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs), Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
Related current affairs
- Model bye-laws for PACS circulated and adopted in Punjab; inclusivity for women and SC/ST membership
- Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Punjab under Central Sponsored Project
- MoU for CSC services via PACS and expansion of farmer-facing digital services through cooperatives
- Amendments in Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme for cooperative grain storage plan: revised margin money, costs and subsidies
- World’s Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector: progress on godowns, hiring assurance and SOP
- Model Bye-laws for PACS: Adoption to expand business activities and improve governance/inclusiveness