On Wednesday (25 December), Amit Shah, the Union Cooperation Minister, launched 10,000 new multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). He stated that the government is on a mission to establish 2 lakh of these societies within the coming five years.

Shah also released standard operating procedures (SOP) for the liquidation of defunct PACS, which will enable the setting up of new societies in 15,000 villages. Under current norms, a second PACS cannot be established in villages where one already exists unless declared defunct.

Shah highlighted that, to date, 11,695 new primary cooperative societies have been registered under the new model bylaws, marking a significant milestone.

Amit Shah said these PACS will actively market organic products, dairy production, and seeds, including exports.