India Launches Major Initiative to Boost Cooperative Movement
The Government of India has initiated a sweeping plan aimed at enhancing the cooperative movement across the nation. Announced on February 15, 2023, this ambitious strategy seeks to establish new multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and other cooperative societies in rural areas, aiding in their financial and social development over the next five years.
The plan underscores the government’s commitment to fostering grassroots cooperative systems by integrating various existing schemes. Key initiatives include the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The project will be supported by multiple organizations, including the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), and others.
Progress and Achievements of the Initiative
As of November 15, 2025, the initiative has reported remarkable successes. A total of 30,083 new PACS, dairy, and fisheries cooperative societies have been registered across India, contributing to the strengthening of 15,793 existing cooperative societies. Currently, a substantial number of Gram Panchayats (GPs) are benefiting from these developments. Specifically, 255,881 GPs are now covered by PACS, 87,159 by Dairy Cooperative Societies, and 29,964 by Fisheries Cooperative Societies.
Notably, in the state of Odisha, 2,039 new Multipurpose PACS, including 1,537 PACS, 451 dairy, and 51 fisheries societies, have been set up. Furthermore, 209 dairy cooperative societies have been enhanced in this state alone. The Puri district has also seen growth, with 59 new cooperative societies established, comprising 39 PACS, 13 dairy, and 7 fisheries cooperatives.
Nationwide Cooperative Expansion Plan
The government’s initiative forms part of a Comprehensive National Plan aimed at fortifying the cooperative movement at the grassroots level, ensuring that no village or panchayat is left uncovered. This plan aligns with the roadmap detailed in the National Cooperative Policy for 2025, which aims for holistic development within the cooperative sector and strengthens areas like dairy, fisheries, and handicrafts.
Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, emphasized that while there isn’t a district-specific program for Puri, this overarching plan reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing cooperative structures nationwide. By promoting the cooperative model, the government aims to empower rural communities, improve livelihoods, and bolster the economy effectively.
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