The government is accelerating reforms in the cooperative sector with the creation of national level multi state cooperative societies, expansion of seed distribution networks and large scale modernisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies to strengthen rural infrastructure and farmer incomes, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah informed the Rajya Sabha.
Detailing the initiatives, Amit Shah said the Ministry of Cooperation has established key national level entities to streamline exports, promote organic products and strengthen agricultural supply chains through a cooperative driven model.
National Cooperatives To Boost Organic Trade And Exports
With the approval of the Union Cabinet, two major multi state cooperative societies have been set up under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 2002.
The National Cooperative Exports Limited has been established as an umbrella organisation to facilitate exports of surplus goods and services produced by cooperative societies across the country. Its mandate includes procurement, storage, processing, branding, packaging, certification, research and marketing of products to enhance global competitiveness.
The National Cooperative Organics Limited has been created to promote organic products by enabling aggregation, certification, testing, branding and marketing. The platform is designed to integrate producers into organised supply chains and expand domestic as well as international market access for organic produce.
Both organisations are open to membership from cooperative institutions at all levels, from Primary Agricultural Credit Societies to apex bodies, enabling broad based participation.
Bharat Beej Initiative Expands Seed Supply Network
The government has also established Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited as a national level cooperative to ensure the availability of quality seeds under the Bharat Beej brand.
The organisation is working closely with state governments to support seed production and distribution under schemes such as National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Edible Oils Oilseeds and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Seed distribution under the Bharat Beej brand has shown significant growth.
Seed Distribution Under Bharat Beej
Financial Year Quantity Supplied Quintals
2024 25 23338
2025 26 Till Date 218979
In addition, Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited is promoting conservation and regeneration of indigenous and traditional seed varieties through partnerships with institutions including International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics, Indian Farm Forestry Development Cooperative Limited, Integrated Rural Development Foundation and Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
PACS Modernisation And Digital Transformation In Bihar
Amit Shah said that Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are being strengthened as multi service rural institutions. Bihar currently has 8463 PACS, of which 4477 have been sanctioned for computerisation under a centrally sponsored project.
Out of these, 4474 PACS have been onboarded to enterprise resource planning software and 4465 have been declared as fully digital ePACS, marking a major step towards transparency and efficiency in cooperative operations.
Status of PACS in Bihar
Parameter Number
Total PACS 8463
PACS in two or more services 7617
PACS in three or more services 6234
PACS computerised 4477
PACS onboarded to ERP 4474
PACS declared ePACS 4465
PACS in Bihar are engaged in a wide range of activities including procurement, storage, custom hiring centres, fertilizer distribution, fair price shops and banking services.
Functional Activities of PACS in Bihar
Activity Number of PACS
Common Services Centres 5375
Fertilizer distribution 2304
PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras 1696
PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras 27
Bank Mitra services 450
Grain Storage Infrastructure Expansion
To address storage gaps and reduce post harvest losses, the government has launched the world largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector through convergence of existing schemes.
In Bihar, 36 PACS across nine districts have been identified for development of storage infrastructure with a total capacity of 1.045 lakh metric tonnes. Loans have been sanctioned for 27 PACS and construction support is being provided through the Bihar State Warehousing Corporation.
Godown Construction Progress in Bihar
Year Sanctioned Godowns Capacity LMT Sanctioned Amount Rs Crore Funds Available Rs Crore Constructed Under Construction
2024 25 305 2.43 175.30 175.30 77 228
2025 26 278 2.49 180.19 180.19 6 272
Capacity Building And Monitoring Framework
Extensive training programmes have been conducted to support digital adoption among cooperative institutions.
Training Coverage Under PACS Computerisation
Training Type Participants
ERP Training for PACS Officials 4421
SI Handholding Support 4477
Refresher Training PACS Auditors 390
Refresher ERP Training Officials 969
Total 10257
A structured monitoring framework has been established involving national, state and district level committees to ensure effective implementation and oversight. Regular review meetings are conducted to monitor performance, including daily transaction closures to enhance accountability.
Amit Shah said these reforms are aimed at transforming cooperative institutions into vibrant economic entities that can drive rural development, improve agricultural value chains and enhance farmer incomes through better infrastructure, digital integration and market access.
