Govt Plans to Identify PACS and Promote Retail Operations based on Viability

In a significant move towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sahkar Se Samridhi," the Indian government has decided to identify Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) that are not currently functioning as fertilizer retailers. The aim is to encourage these societies to take up the role of retailers in a phased manner, based on their feasibility.

This decision, along with four others, was taken during a meeting held in the national capital between Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh S Mandaviya. Senior officials from the Ministry of Cooperation and the Department of Fertilizers were also present at the meeting.

With the implementation of this decision, PACS across the country will not only see an increase in their income but also contribute to the creation of employment opportunities in rural areas. Moreover, farmers will have easier access to fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and agricultural machinery at the local level, leading to enhanced convenience and efficiency in agricultural operations.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Cooperation, there are approximately 1 lakh Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies in India. Through meticulous mapping, the PACS that are not currently operating as fertilizer retailers will be identified. These societies will then be encouraged to undertake the role of retailers gradually, taking into account the feasibility of each case.

In addition, the decision also entails bringing PACS that are not functioning as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the ambit of PMKSK. This move will further integrate these societies into the agricultural landscape, facilitating the marketing of organic fertilizers, including Fermented Organic Manure (FoM), Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM), and Phosphate Enriched Organic Manure (PROM).

Under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme of the Department of Fertilizers, fertilizer companies will serve as aggregators for small bio-organic producers, assisting them in marketing their end products. This supply and marketing chain for bio-organic fertilizers will also include PACS, which will act as wholesalers and retailers.

The government also recognized the potential of PACS in other areas, such as employing them as drone entrepreneurs for spraying fertilizers and pesticides. Drones can also be utilized for property surveys, offering a range of benefits to the agricultural sector.