PHDCCI Hosts National Workshop On PACS-Led Smart Cooperatives For Viksit Bharat @2047

PHDCCI held a National Cooperative Workshop on ‘Building PACS-Led Smart Cooperatives for Viksit Bharat @2047’ at PHD House, New Delhi.

The workshop brought together policymakers and cooperative leaders. It created a common platform for discussion and collaboration.

Participants examined strategies to position Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as the backbone of India’s cooperative movement and rural economy.

The workshop drew senior representatives from government, cooperative institutions, and industry.

Insights from Key Dignitaries

Key attendees included Dr Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA, who shared insights on agricultural export initiatives.

Shri Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of NFCSF, highlighted the role of cooperatives in rural prosperity.

Shri Dileepbhai Sanghani, Chair of PHDCCI’s Committee on Cooperatives, led discussions on PACS-led smart cooperative development.

Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of PHDCCI, actively participated in the dialogue.

Dr Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General of PHDCCI, engaged participants. Furthermore, he shared insights during the workshop.

He described PACS as vital grassroots institutions and urged them to transform into professionally managed, digitally enabled, multi-purpose entities.

Shri Dileepbhai Sanghani stressed transparency, democratic governance, and close coordination between government, cooperatives, and industry to advance Viksit Bharat @2047.

Dr Sudhanshu underscored that India cannot achieve developed-nation status by 2047 without strong PACS. He called for converting PACS into technology-driven, multi-functional institutions.

Dr Sudhanshu outlined APEDA’s work with FPOs, cooperatives, and agri-startups, noting that APEDA-supported ecosystems facilitate nearly half of India’s agricultural exports.

He urged stakeholders to produce a clear, action-oriented roadmap.

Shri Prakash Naiknavare explained how PACS are evolving into rural business hubs.

He said these institutions expand credit access, cut reliance on informal lenders, strengthen supply chains, and promote cooperative entrepreneurship.

He cited cooperative sugar mills as examples of how assured procurement and timely payments raise farmer incomes.

Dr Ranjeet Mehta reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment, as it marks 121 years, to policy dialogue and grassroots empowerment.

Dr Jatinder Singh emphasised technology adoption, smart services, and institutional support to create opportunities for rural youth and women.

The workshop reinforced a shared commitment to empower PACS as engines of rural prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth.