‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ Conference in Varanasi Focuses on Strengthening Cooperative Sector

Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “Sahkar se Samriddhi,” the Ministry of Cooperation is advancing efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector as a driver of inclusive growth and rural development.

A two-day national review conference is being held in Varanasi on April 9–10, bringing together senior officials from the Centre, states and Union Territories, along with key cooperative institutions, to assess progress and accelerate implementation of flagship initiatives.

Addressing the inaugural session, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation Ashish Kumar Bhutani said the conference is part of a series of national workshops conducted since October 2024 to enhance coordination and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. He emphasised that the focus must now shift from deliberation to time-bound execution at the district level.

Highlighting key priorities, Bhutani underscored the need to sustain momentum in achieving the target of establishing two lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). He called for stronger coordination among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and measurable outcomes on the ground.

On the computerisation of PACS, he noted significant progress in recent months but stressed the importance of ensuring long-term sustainability beyond the scheme period ending in March 2027. States were urged to internalise the benefits of digital transformation and continue reforms independently.

The conference also focused on strengthening cooperative banking systems, with emphasis on faster loan disbursal, efficient fund utilisation and improved coordination. Discussions highlighted the importance of technology adoption, cybersecurity, Aadhaar integration and doorstep banking services.

Key sessions reviewed the world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector, with participation from major agencies such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI), NABARD, NAFED and NCCF. Deliberations covered infrastructure planning, financing models and strategies to enhance cooperative participation in storage and supply chains.

Participants also discussed reviving defunct PACS, expanding membership and diversifying their role into multi-service centres offering services such as seed distribution, fertiliser supply, digital services and Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

The conference reflects the government’s continued push to build a robust and technology-driven cooperative ecosystem, aligned with the broader goal of creating a self-reliant and inclusive economy through grassroots institutions.