India is revolutionizing rural infrastructure by empowering Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with modern facilities and digital tools through the initiation of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector. This transformative journey aims to enhance storage capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve market accessibility for farmers.
Background
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are the backbone of India’s rural cooperative credit system.
- Government initiated a pilot project under the grain storage plan in 11 PACS across 11 states to address the lack of modern storage facilities.
Significance
- Crucial for minimizing post-harvest losses and improving price realization for farmers.
- Strengthens decentralized agri-logistics, reduces dependence on middlemen, and supports food security.
Objectives
- Create modern grain storage infrastructure at the PACS level.
- Establish multi-purpose cooperative societies including dairy and fisheries cooperatives.
- Digitally modernize PACS through computerization for better governance and service delivery.
- Ensure universal PACS coverage across all panchayats and villages in five years.
Key Features
- Construction of godowns, custom hiring centers, food processing units, and Fair Price Shops through the convergence of central and state schemes.
- Support from stakeholders like NABARD, state governments, and union territories.
- Over 500 PACS identified for godown construction, targeted to be completed by December 2026.
- Government approval of over ₹2,925 crore for PACS computerization to streamline operations.
Impact
- Improve grain storage efficiency and reduce wastage.
- Enhance farmers’ bargaining power with localized storage.
- Generate rural employment through the construction and operation of agri-infrastructure.
- Promote self-reliance in food distribution and cooperative governance.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- India’s World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector aims to empower rural infrastructure through PACS.
- The initiative focuses on reducing post-harvest losses, improving market access for farmers, and enhancing food security.
- Key features include godown construction, digital modernization, and support from stakeholders like NABARD.
- The plan is expected to boost rural employment and promote self-reliance in food distribution.
