Jammu : As the United Nations Organization (UNO) has declared 2025 as the international year of Cooperatives under the theme ‘Cooperatives build a better world’, Minister for Cooperative, Agriculture Production and Rural Development departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, on Thursday said that the Jammu and Kashmir has made significant strides in strengthening Cooperative sector for welfare and progress of farmers and rural communities.
He said that special focus is being given on the cooperative sector globally and J&K is also keenly focusing on promotion of the sector and all serious efforts shall be made under the theme, decided by UNO.
The Minister said that computerisation of 537 Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) at a cost of Rs. 1746.27 lakh has significantly strengthened cooperative sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the importance of digitization of PACS, the Minister said that it has enhanced operational efficiency, improved transparency and promoted financial inclusion, ensuring better service delivery for farmers and rural communities.
Under the Central Ministry, a series of transformative initiatives including UT level Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), have been implemented to modernize and expand cooperative institutions across the region. Improving healthcare access to the people, establishment of 46 Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAKs) through PACS have been established, making quality medicines available at affordable rates and reducing healthcare costs for rural populations.
The Minister added that the Cooperative network has been further strengthened with the launch of 144 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs), which act as one-stop agricultural service hubs. “These centers provide farmers with high-quality seeds, fertilizers and expert advisory services to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability and empower farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge,” asserted the Minister.
In a major step towards digital inclusion, 480 Common Service Centers (CSCs) have been established through PACS, bridging the rural-urban digital divide. “These centers offer access to online government services, e-governance platforms, banking, and financial assistance, ensuring seamless service delivery to rural populations” the Minister said.
Additionally, 61 PACS have been transformed into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance market access and bargaining power for farmers.
The Minister said that six PACS have been identified for godown construction to enhance storage capacity, minimise post-harvest losses and improve food security besides comprehensive updation of cooperative society records on the National Cooperative Database (NCD) Portal, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.
He added that successful efforts are being made for revival of defunct cooperatives besides modernisation. About six cooperative super bazaars have been upgraded with seven more planned for construction. Besides, Thirteen cooperative mini-super bazaars are also under development at block headquarters. Infrastructure improvements have been extended to the education sector, with smart classrooms and science labs established in five cooperative schools, added the Minister.
