Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of 10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (M-PACS) on Wednesday. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing two lakh such societies within five years, aiming to bring cooperatives to every panchayat.
Expanded Role Of M-PACS
The newly launched M-PACS will handle 32 activities, including storage, and distribution of fertilizers, manure, gas, and water. Shah emphasized that these societies would make agriculture more efficient and versatile. Once the target is achieved, M-PACS will streamline farmers’ access to essential resources and global markets.
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Milestones On Birth Anniversary Of Vajpayee
Marking the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shah distributed RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and micro-ATMs to 10 new cooperative societies. He highlighted that micro-ATMs will soon be available at every primary dairy, enabling farmers to secure low-cost loans and promote financial inclusion.
Strategic Phased Expansion
Shah outlined the phased expansion of the initiative. NABARD will form 22,750 PACS in the first phase and 47,250 in the second. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will establish 56,500 new societies and upgrade 46,500 existing ones. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will create 6,000 fisheries cooperatives and modernize 5,500.
Employment And Modernization Goals
Shah said the modernization of PACS would improve operational efficiency and generate jobs for women and youth. The move is part of a larger vision to boost rural development and agricultural productivity.
The ambitious plan underlines the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening rural economies.
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