Amit Shah Highlights Cooperative Sector's Role in Rural Development

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently highlighted the transformative role of the cooperative sector in rural development during a ceremony in Jaipur. He emphasized the importance of small efforts leading to significant changes and urged farmers to adopt organic farming practices. The event celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Ministry of Cooperation, showcasing various initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, women, and rural communities. With over 42,000 cooperative societies in Rajasthan alone, the cooperative movement is becoming a vital tool for economic empowerment. Shah's remarks also honored Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's contributions to India's unity. The ceremony included the inauguration of new warehouses and the launch of innovative e-PACS to modernize the cooperative sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 7, 2026, 08:17 IST

Significant Contributions of the Cooperative Sector

In Jaipur, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah emphasized that even small efforts can lead to substantial achievements. He noted that with the vision of 'Prosperity through Cooperation', Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021, revitalizing the cooperative sector. This initiative has sparked revolutionary changes in agriculture and rural development across the nation. A strategic roadmap has been created to address gaps in the cooperative sector, enhancing its technological capabilities and transparency. The introduction of e-PACS (Electronic Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) has simplified operations and audits, while digital payment systems have improved payment transparency.

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Ministry of Cooperation

Amit Shah addressed a ceremony at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the fifth anniversary of the Ministry of Cooperation. He highlighted that cooperation has not only provided economic support to villagers, farmers, livestock owners, and women but has also expanded the scope of social security. He urged farmers to adopt organic farming practices, stressing the importance of land conservation and the detrimental effects of chemicals and fertilizers on soil fertility.

Honoring Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

While paying tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his 125th birth anniversary, Shah remarked that it was his nationalist vision that integrated Kashmir, Assam, and West Bengal into India. Mukherjee initiated movements against the dual governance system, and Prime Minister Modi's abrogation of Article 370 has fulfilled his dream.

Innovative Developments in the Cooperative Sector

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Minister Amit Shah, stating that unprecedented work is being done in the cooperative sector. With the mantra of 'Prosperity through Cooperation', the cooperative movement has become a means of economic empowerment for millions of farmers, livestock owners, women, youth, and rural India.

He highlighted the state government's innovations and achievements in the cooperative sector, noting that the cooperative movement has reached every village in Rajasthan. The state boasts over 42,000 cooperative societies with more than 1.35 crore members. Under the cooperative membership campaign, 8.9 lakh new members have been added, with a goal set for the establishment of cooperative societies in all gram panchayats.

Rajasthan's Dairy Cooperative Model

The Chief Minister stated that the dairy cooperative model in the state has become a foundation for economic support for millions of livestock-rearing families. Thanks to the efforts of the double-engine government, previously loss-making dairy unions are now profitable, achieving a record turnover of ₹10,000 crore. The total profits and turnover of the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation and district milk unions have reached an all-time high in the last 47 years.

New Initiatives and Developments

* Inauguration of 10 new grain storage warehouses.

* Commissioning of 50 warehouses.

* Transfer of 100 warehouses to the state storage corporation.

‘Cooperative Forest’ E-Groundbreaking Ceremony

* A 'Cooperative Forest' will be developed in Sumel village, Jaipur.

* This forest will span 64 acres.

* Trees such as Khejri, Rohida, and Neem will be planted.

* Planting will be done using both Miyawaki and conventional methods.

Empowering Rural Communities through Cooperation

Sharma noted that cooperation is addressing both women's empowerment and rural self-reliance. The Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation and district milk unions have 9.4 lakh dairy producer members, including over 4.2 lakh women. Thousands of new milk collection centers have been established, and new dairy producer societies have been formed, leading to increased milk production and farmer incomes, thereby strengthening the rural economy. The state's milk collection has risen from 38 lakh liters to 45 lakh liters, with a remarkable 70% increase in new members joining dairy cooperatives.

Technological Advancements in the Cooperative Sector

The Chief Minister announced that the cooperative sector has been modernized through the PACS computerization initiative, with 5,646 PACS converted to e-PACS. These have facilitated over 10 crore online transactions, accounting for nearly one-third of the country's total transactions, making it the highest in the nation. Approximately 4,875 PACS are now operating three or more business activities, providing essential services like common service centers, Prime Minister's Kisan Samriddhi Centers, farmer producer organizations, and Jan Aushadhi centers to rural areas.

He added that under the central government's ambitious plan to establish cooperative societies in every panchayat, 5,279 new multi-purpose cooperative societies have been formed in Rajasthan, with 1,977 e-PACS, placing the state in the top position nationally. Rajasthan also leads in securing memberships for the Indian Seed Cooperative Society Limited.

Strengthening Cooperation through Innovation

During the event, 50,000 PACS were converted to e-PACS, and under the grain storage scheme, 135 warehouses were transferred, 85 warehouses were inaugurated, and 47 warehouses were groundbreaking. Additionally, the e-groundbreaking of tissue culture facilities for the Indian Seed Cooperative Society Limited was conducted. The launch of the National Cooperative Database Portal 3.0, geo-tagged mobile app, and NDDDB's milk supply review dashboard portal was also announced, along with the inauguration of the Cooperative Milk Producers Organization Multi-State Limited and Gomay Cooperative Society Multi-State Limited. An exhibition focused on cooperation was held, and books highlighting the Ministry of Cooperation's achievements over the past five years were released.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishna Pal Gurjar, Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murli Dhar Mohol, Minister of State for Cooperation (Independent Charge) Gautam Kumar, Chief Secretary V. Srinivasan, and numerous representatives from cooperative organizations.