Patna: In a pivotal decision aimed at boosting the state’s cooperative sector, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit chaired the fifth meeting of the State Cooperative Development Committee on Thursday. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the establishment of cooperative sugar mills in Sakri and Raiyam, marking a significant step toward strengthening the agricultural economy in Bihar.
Establishment of Cooperative Sugar Mills in Sakri and Raiyam
As part of the comprehensive plan to enhance the cooperative sector’s contribution to the economy, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit issued directives for the establishment of sugar mills in Sakri and Raiyam. This initiative will not only boost sugar production in the state but also create jobs and improve the income of local farmers. The mills are expected to significantly enhance the rural economy by providing a steady demand for sugarcane and promoting the overall agricultural industry.
Key Decisions for Strengthening the Cooperative Sector
Apart from the establishment of sugar mills, the meeting saw several other crucial decisions aimed at further developing the state’s cooperative infrastructure:
- Micro ATMs in PACS: The committee decided to provide micro ATM facilities in Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), ensuring better banking services for farmers in remote areas.
- Government Funds in Cooperative Banks: A directive was issued for the placement of government funds in cooperative banks, enhancing liquidity and supporting financial activities in these institutions.
- Implementation of Decentralized Grain Storage: The committee discussed the implementation of the world’s largest decentralized grain storage scheme, aimed at improving food security and reducing wastage.
- Registration of Cooperative Societies: A significant push was given to ensure the registration of all cooperative societies in the state, making them more accessible and accountable.
Encouraging Dairy Cooperative Registrations
Pankaj Kumar Bansal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, emphasized the importance of registering dairy cooperative societies that are yet to be registered in the state. He directed that these societies should be registered immediately to enhance their operations and provide better services to dairy farmers.
Directives on Credit Distribution and Business Development
The meeting also focused on strengthening financial support for farmers through PACS. Key directives included:
- Loan Distribution through PACS: Efforts will be made to distribute loans to farmers through PACS, ensuring easy access to financial resources for agricultural activities.
- Targeted Loan Recovery: A structured plan was discussed to set loan recovery targets, ensuring that farmers’ credit needs are met while maintaining financial discipline.
- Linking SHGs, JLGs, and DCS to Cooperative Banks: The committee proposed connecting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), and Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) to cooperative banks, fostering business development and financial growth in the rural sector.
Coordination with WEJFED for PACS Selection
In the second phase of PACS selection, the committee directed that information be sent to the Government of India for further action. Additionally, coordination with WEJFED (Welfare of Employment Generation Federation) was emphasized to ensure the smooth selection process and successful implementation of the cooperative sector’s goals.
In Attendance at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments, including:
- Dharmendra Singh (Secretary, Department of Cooperation)
- Rajneesh Kumar Singh (Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Bihar)
- Senior Officers from the Planning & Development Department, Finance Department, Revenue & Land Reforms Department, Rural Development Department, Agriculture Department, Industry Department, Food & Consumer Protection Department, Dairy, Fisheries & Animal Resources Department.
A Step Towards Empowering Farmers and Strengthening the Cooperative Sector
The directives issued during the meeting reflect the state government’s commitment to transforming the cooperative sector into a major pillar of the economy. By focusing on key areas such as cooperative sugar mills, improved banking facilities for farmers, and better registration of cooperatives, Bihar is taking significant steps toward enhancing agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, and rural development.
This move is expected to create new opportunities for farmers, improve their livelihoods, and strengthen the cooperative sector’s role in the state’s economic growth. The establishment of cooperative sugar mills in Sakri and Raiyam, in particular, will serve as a vital component in the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand Bihar’s agricultural infrastructure.
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