New Delhi, India – On January 25, 2024, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated 10,000 newly established Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) alongside various Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies, marking a significant milestone aimed at enhancing agricultural support across the nation. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision encapsulated by the motto ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ or ‘Prosperity through Cooperation’.
Speaking at the event, Amit Shah highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing cooperatives to every village, stating, “Achieving this vision requires the presence of cooperatives at every Panchayat, actively contributing to economic growth.” He emphasized the ambition of establishing 2 lakh new PACS within the next five years, reflecting the urgency to improve the agricultural systems and support mechanisms for Indian farmers.
During the launch event, distinguished figures including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, as well as Union Ministers of State for Cooperation, Shri Krishan Pal and Shri Murlidhar Mohol, were present to witness this pivotal development. The initiative coincides with the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose legacy Shah praised as foundational to revitalizing India’s cooperative sector.
“This milestone is deeply symbolic, as it was during Atal Ji’s tenure… the 97th Constitutional Amendment was enacted, which aimed to strengthen the cooperative movement,” Amit Shah remarked, linking current efforts to historical commitments to cooperative governance.
Over the past few months, there has been significant progress. According to Shah, on September 19, 2024, the Standard Operating Procedure was established, leading to the successful registration of these 10,000 PACS within just 86 days, showcasing the government’s ability to catalyze rapid implementation for agricultural improvements.
A key focus of the initiative is the modernization of PACS through computerization. Shah articulated, “Computerization has increased the transparency of PACS… it has enabled the integration of diverse activities including storage, manure, gas distribution, and more.” Such enhancements are aimed not only at operational efficiency but also at attracting skilled personnel to drive the initiative forward.
The union minister also announced the distribution of RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and Micro-ATMs to several cooperative societies, which are set to increase farmers' access to affordable loans and promote financial inclusion. “Soon every primary dairy will be equipped with a Micro-ATM… enabling low-cost loans,” he explained. This capability is expected to give farmers more autonomy over their finances and improve their livelihoods.
Shah defined the expansion of PACS underpinned by four principles: visibility, relevance, viability, and vibrancy. These tenets will guide the establishment and functioning of PACS, making them integral to community economic frameworks. He stressed, “Transforming Common Service Centres (CSC) to PACS will benefit every citizen and increase visibility across services provided.”
The emphasis on forward and backward linkages was reiterated as Shah noted, “Once the target of 2 lakh PACS is achieved, it will facilitate the seamless integration of farmers' produce to global markets.” This speaks volumes about the government’s aspirations to not only strengthen the national agricultural supply chain but also position India favorably on the global stage.
The initiative aligns with the global demand for sustainable agricultural practices, with Shah announcing the establishment of three new national cooperatives—NCOL, BBSSL, and NCEL—that will promote organic farming products and seed exports. There is also a concerted effort to include marginalized communities, with new model bylaws ensuring participation from women, Dalits, and tribal communities, bolstering social and economic equality.
Reflecting on the training programs for PACS members, Shah urged the responsible implementation of educational initiatives aimed at equipping members with necessary skills. He announced, “District cooperative registrars must prioritize training programs to guarantee quality education and training for all involved.” This dedication to education signals long-term growth and sustainability of the cooperative movement.
With the establishment of infrastructure and support networks, Amit Shah concluded the event with confidence, expressing, “We will complete the creation of 2 lakh new PACS before the set timeline.” The inauguration of MPACS heralds new opportunities for farmers and aims to empower them significantly by streamlining access to resources, loans, and market opportunities.
