Boosting Rural Economy: Surge in Agricultural Cooperatives Nationwide

Over the past two years, 12,957 new multi-purpose primary agricultural credit societies along with dairy and fishery cooperatives have been set up across India. This initiative, part of a government plan approved in February 2023, aims to strengthen cooperative movements at the grassroots level.

The establishment of 12,957 new multi-purpose primary agricultural credit societies, as well as dairy and fishery cooperatives, marks a significant step in expanding India's cooperative movement. Cooperation Minister Amit Shah shared these details in Parliament, highlighting the initiative's progress over the past two years.

In February 2023, the government approved an ambitious plan aimed at fortifying cooperative structures across the nation, with a focus on reaching village-level communities. The strategy involves creating new societies in various sectors to enhance grassroots engagement over a five-year period.

According to Shah's report, by January 27, 2025, numerous states have embraced this cooperative expansion, with Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir registering a large number of new cooperatives. Additionally, 32 states and Union Territories have aligned their regulations with Model Bye-laws for PACS.

(With inputs from agencies.)