The Odisha government plans to establish 82 new primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS) and 21 primary milk cooperative societies in Ganjam district. Five existing PACS will also be upgraded to multi-purpose societies to enhance their economic roles and services. This initiative aims to improve market access and generate employment in rural areas.
New Cooperative Societies and Multi-Purpose Expansion
The Odisha government has announced a significant expansion of its cooperative sector in Ganjam district, with plans to open 82 new primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS), 21 primary milk cooperative societies, and convert five existing PACS into multi-purpose societies. This decision was made during a recent meeting of the Ganjam district cooperative development committee, chaired by District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida.
The expansion aims to address gaps in cooperative coverage across the district and enhance support for local farmers and entrepreneurs. Currently, out of the 503 panchayats in Ganjam district, PACS are operational in 421. Last year, 21 new PACS were established. The new initiative will further extend the reach of these cooperatives, ensuring that every uncovered gram panchayat will have either a PACS or a primary dairy or fishery cooperative.
Objectives and Benefits
The primary goal of this expansion is to generate employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of farmers by providing better access to markets and services. The new PACS will facilitate the procurement and sale of essential agricultural inputs and products, thus helping farmers achieve better prices for their produce.
In addition to expanding the number of cooperative societies, five existing PACS will be upgraded to multi-purpose societies. This transformation is intended to diversify their business activities and enhance their role as economic hubs at the panchayat level. The upgraded multi-purpose societies will engage in a range of activities, including dairy and fishery operations, the establishment of godowns, and the procurement of food grains. They will also handle the sale of fertilizers, seeds, LPG, petrol, and diesel, as well as set up common service centers and fair-price shops.
Implementation and Feasibility
The cooperative officials have been instructed to prepare feasibility reports for the new PACS to ensure their successful establishment. The emphasis will be on selecting panchayats that currently lack PACS and assessing the potential of existing PACS slated for multi-purpose expansion.
The development of multi-purpose societies will be preceded by a detailed study of their potential to ensure they can effectively support a wide range of activities. This strategic approach aims to enhance the economic vibrancy of the PACS and provide comprehensive services to the local communities.
Current Status and Future Plans
Currently, the Greater Ganjam-Gajapati Milk Cooperative Union oversees 55 primary milk cooperative societies. The expansion plan aligns with the Central government’s directive to ensure that each gram panchayat has access to essential cooperative services. This initiative will help in broadening market access for local farmers and creating additional employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development.
In summary, the Odisha government’s move to open new PACS and upgrade existing ones reflects a commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector and supporting agricultural and economic development in Ganjam district. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the availability of services and resources for farmers and other local stakeholders.
