Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that cooperative societies have evolved into comprehensive service providers for farmers. A national review meeting, lasting two days, was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, by the Ministry of Cooperation to empower and strengthen these societies in rural areas. The event was inaugurated by Ahuja and Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, according to an official statement.

The meeting focused on ensuring the effective implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across villages and panchayats. These SOPs cover three major initiatives: establishing and enhancing 2 lakh new Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Societies (MPACS), Dairy and Fishery Cooperatives, and promoting cooperation among cooperatives. The aim is to make Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) vibrant economic units.

Cooperative Societies’ Role in Economic Growth

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, recently launched three significant initiatives during a National Conference in New Delhi. These initiatives are part of the Ministry’s ten actions taken within the first 100 days of the government. The review meeting aimed to discuss the successful execution of this 100-day action plan.

Bhutani highlighted the crucial role cooperative societies play in contributing to the GDP. He stressed forming multipurpose PACS by adopting model bye-laws as a key initiative from the Ministry of Cooperation. This adoption has allowed PACS to diversify into 25 new business areas, thereby strengthening them economically.

Empowering Youth and Modernising Education

The participation of youth is vital for promoting cooperative start-ups. Increasing youth involvement in cooperative societies and modernising education and training systems is crucial for future development, as per the official statement. Ahuja emphasised forming strong grassroots institutions to meet local needs like quality inputs, storage, processing, credit, and marketing facilities.

Amul-like Multi-State Cooperative Societies serve as examples of success. Ahuja noted that various schemes from the Ministry of Cooperation have transformed these societies into one-stop shops for farmers’ needs. Initiatives like model bye-laws, computerisation, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras have played a significant role in this transformation.

Expanding Cooperative Horizons

The formation of three new cooperative societies—NCEL, NCOL, and BBSSL—has expanded opportunities for PACS. These societies help farmers secure better prices for their produce, including organic products, in both national and international markets. Regular capacity-building training sessions are being organised with a goal to train 50% of cooperative members over the next five years.

Bhutani also urged Cooperative Departments across all States and Union Territories to participate in the International Cooperative Alliance planned for November 2024. This participation aims to further strengthen the cooperative movement within the country.

The meeting underscored the importance of empowering cooperatives at grassroots levels. By addressing local needs comprehensively, these societies can significantly contribute to economic growth and development in rural areas.