What are Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS) and why are they being established?

M-PACS are upgraded versions of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies that now provide a wider range of services beyond just credit. These include activities such as fertilizer and gas distribution, retail services, dairy, fisheries, and more. The government is establishing them to empower farmers, boost rural incomes, and strengthen the cooperative sector through diversified, multipurpose operations aligned with local needs.

What is the government’s long-term goal under the ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ vision?

Under the vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’, the government plans to set up 2 lakh PACS across the country within five years. This vision, championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aims to bring cooperatives into every village, making them a cornerstone of India’s rural and agricultural prosperity through transparent, tech-enabled, and inclusive systems.

How will the expansion of PACS benefit farmers and rural communities?

The expansion of PACS will provide farmers with improved access to financial services, agricultural inputs, and market linkages. With facilities like RuPay Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), micro-ATMs, and access to storage and fuel stations, farmers will benefit from more efficient financial and operational support. PACS will also engage in organic farming and exports, enhancing income opportunities for farmers and promoting rural economic growth.

What role does technology and inclusivity play in this initiative?

Technology plays a key role in enhancing the transparency and efficiency of PACS operations. Computerisation will streamline processes and open up employment opportunities for youth and women. Additionally, the government is making efforts to ensure the participation of women, Dalits, tribals, and backward communities in PACS through training programs and inclusive regulations, making the cooperative model more equitable and impactful.

Who are the key contributors to the PACS expansion strategy?

The expansion is being carried out in a phased manner with collaboration from multiple bodies such as NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), NDDB (National Dairy Development Board), NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board), and various state cooperative departments. As a result of this coordinated approach, 11,695 new societies have already been registered, showing significant progress toward the government’s ambitious cooperative development goals.

What is the government’s long-term goal under the ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ vision?

Under the vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’, the government plans to set up 2 lakh PACS across the country within five years. This vision, championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aims to bring cooperatives into every village, making them a cornerstone of India’s rural and agricultural prosperity through transparent, tech-enabled, and inclusive systems.

How will the expansion of PACS benefit farmers and rural communities?

The expansion of PACS will provide farmers with improved access to financial services, agricultural inputs, and market linkages. With facilities like RuPay Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), micro-ATMs, and access to storage and fuel stations, farmers will benefit from more efficient financial and operational support. PACS will also engage in organic farming and exports, enhancing income opportunities for farmers and promoting rural economic growth.

What role does technology and inclusivity play in this initiative?

Technology plays a key role in enhancing the transparency and efficiency of PACS operations. Computerisation will streamline processes and open up employment opportunities for youth and women. Additionally, the government is making efforts to ensure the participation of women, Dalits, tribals, and backward communities in PACS through training programs and inclusive regulations, making the cooperative model more equitable and impactful.

Who are the key contributors to the PACS expansion strategy?

The expansion is being carried out in a phased manner with collaboration from multiple bodies such as NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), NDDB (National Dairy Development Board), NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board), and various state cooperative departments. As a result of this coordinated approach, 11,695 new societies have already been registered, showing significant progress toward the government’s ambitious cooperative development goals.

Home

Schemes

Services

Community

About Us

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Inaugurates 10,000 New M-PACS Along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperatives

Alankar Mishra

Author

Updated: 28-01-2025 at 7:36 AM

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Inaugurates 10,000 New M-PACS Along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperatives

The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, recently established 10,000 new multipurpose primary agricultural credit societies (M-PACS) along with dairy and fisheries cooperative societies in New Delhi. Many president cooperative societies in India on the back of development envisage a stronger future with the initiatives initiated by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to turn the ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ – vision into a reality. The government is transforming India’s cooperative movement to set up 2 lakh PACS in five years to bring farmer empowerment, improve accountability and spur growth in rural areas.

Key Highlights

The government is making enormous strides in building up the cooperative sector and rural development. New schemes are being unveiled to promote the establishment of more cooperatives for farmers and the rural population. The following are the salient points of these initiatives:

Launch of 10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS). Along with various dairy and fisheries cooperative societies, Shri Amit Shah brought into existence the previously established 10,000 M-PACS which is a major step in India's cooperative development.
Sahakar Se Samriddhi Vision: The vision nods to the Indian vision of using cooperatives to achieve prosperity envisioned by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi in inviting cooperatives in “each and every village”.
Target To Form 2 Lakh PACS Well Ahead Of Target Date: The target is to form 2 lakh PACS in five years and as seen, the progress is already way ahead of the target.

Significance Of PACS Expansion

The expansion of PACS aims for more versatility, efficiency, and benefits for farmers and communities. By introducing new activities and technology, PACS are becoming stronger and more inclusive. Here are some important highlights of this expansion:

Integration with 32 Activities: With the new services of gas and fertilizer provision, gas and fertilizer storage and even petrol stations, PACS will be more functional and supportive.
Empowerment Through Technology: With the computerisation and setting up of PACS, there will be transparency of operations, operational efficiency, and job opportunities particularly for women and youth.
RuPay KCC Cards and Micro-ATMs: Financial inclusiveness will be achieved to a great extent through low-cost bridging finance that farmers will get.
Participation in Organic Products and Exports: Newly developed cooperatives will now engage in organic farming and quality seeds as well as exports which will raise farmers’ earnings and enter the international market.

Historic Symbolism

The inauguration coincided with the birth anniversaries of eminent leaders like Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasising their contributions to India's cultural and economic progress.

Strengthening Cooperative Infrastructure

The focus is on further developing cooperative structures. Specific measures are being taken to educate the members and integrate neglected segments of the population. Here are a few key measures that are being taken:

Training Initiatives: Well-designed modules to train the employees and members of the PACS to enhance performance efficiency.
Women and Community Participation: Customary regulations transform into a new model enabling women, Dalits, tribals and backward communities to take part.

Phased Approach To Expansion

The PACS formation is planned in phases with contributions from NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, and state cooperative departments. As of now, 11,695 new societies have been registered under updated bylaws, paving the way for a more equitable and vibrant cooperative ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Modi government’s ambitious cooperative strategy aims to strengthen India's rural economy, create employment opportunities, and ensure the prosperity of farmers through modernised and inclusive PACS. With transparency, technology, and robust linkages, the initiative is poised to transform India’s cooperative sector for sustainable growth.

Join the conversation and stay informed! Visit the Jaagruk Bharat community page here and be part of an active, engaged community.

Frequently Asked Questions