Patna: In a major stride towards empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy, the Cooperative Department of the Bihar Government has successfully constructed 6,158 godowns under its ambitious Warehouse Construction Scheme in PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) and Vyapar Mandals across the state. These godowns provide vital storage infrastructure, enabling better preservation and marketability of agricultural produce.
Out of the 6,994 warehouses approved, 6,158 have already been completed, while construction of 836 godowns is currently underway. This initiative has created a storage capacity of approximately 16.91 lakh metric tonnes, significantly contributing to the agricultural logistics backbone in Bihar.
Godowns of 200, 500, and 1,000 MT Capacity Built to Meet Local Needs
The godowns are being constructed in three size categories to accommodate varying storage demands-
- 1,000 MT capacity godowns
- 500 MT capacity godowns
- 200 MT capacity godowns
These warehouses are constructed with a 50:50 funding model, where-
- 50% is provided as a government grant
- 50% is offered as revolving capital (with interest), repayable in 20 half-yearly installments over 10 years
The current construction costs have been revised to-
- ₹72.67 lakh for 1,000 MT godowns
- ₹34.59 lakh for 500 MT godowns
- ₹17.12 lakh for 200 MT godowns
Ensuring Transparency and Quality in Implementation
To ensure the quality and transparency of the project, the warehouse construction is being:
- Monitored at the district level
- Inspected by engineers appointed by district authorities
- Regularly reviewed by senior officials from the Cooperative Department
Funds are released in four phases, contingent on adherence to construction standards in each stage. Additionally, priority is being given to construction on government land, reducing delays and land acquisition issues.
A Key Step Toward Farmer Empowerment
This scheme is part of the state’s broader effort to modernize agricultural infrastructure, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the income of farmers. The expansion of storage facilities through PACS and Vyapar Mandals is not only boosting local agricultural trade but also fueling rural economic growth.
About PACS
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are the grass root level arms of the short-term co-operative credit structure. PACS deals directly with the rural (agricultural) borrowers, give those loans and collect repayments of loans given and also undertake distribution and marketing functions.
They occupy a predominant position in the co-operative credit structure and form its base. It serves as the final link between the ultimate borrowers on the one hand and the higher financing agencies, namely the Scheduled Commercial Banks, and the RBI/NABARD on the other hand.
