Bhubaneswar: Odisha Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta on Monday said the process of establishing at least one Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society, Dairy Cooperative Society or Fisheries Cooperative Society in every Gram Panchayat is underway.
He also said existing Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) are being transformed into Multi-Purpose PACS to undertake diversified business and productive activities.
He made the announcements while inaugurating the 5th Foundation Day celebrations of the Ministry of Cooperation at Cooperative Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
The event was organised by the Odisha State Cooperative Union under the directions of the Department of Cooperation, government of Odisha.
Samanta also said the Odisha Cooperative Policy-2026 has been prepared in alignment with the National Cooperative Policy-2025 as the state seeks to strengthen the cooperative movement under the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
The celebrations marked the beginning of a nationwide campaign to be observed from June 29 to July 6, commemorating five years of the Ministry of Cooperation. The campaign aims to connect people with the cooperative movement and spread awareness about the ministry’s achievements across the country.
According to the organisers, the campaign will focus on strengthening PACS, honouring farmers, promoting Green Cooperatives through tree plantation, encouraging greater participation of students, youth and women in the cooperative sector, establishing new cooperatives for the younger generation, and promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence and modern technology in cooperative institutions.
Before the public meeting, Samanta hoisted the Cooperative Flag at the Cooperative Bhavan premises.
Speaking at the same venue, Registrar of Cooperative Societies Manish Agrawal said cooperative institutions can be transformed into profitable and sustainable organisations.
Addressing the gathering, K. Sudarshan Chakraborty, Director of Agricultural Marketing and Member Secretary of the OSAM Board, said strengthening infrastructure is essential to make Odisha’s cooperative movement more vibrant.
He added that the Department of Cooperation has given top priority to infrastructure development over the past two years.
The meeting was presided over by Odisha State Cooperative Union Chairperson Prabasini Sadangi, who thanked the minister, the secretary of the Department of Cooperation, and the registrar of Cooperative Societies for entrusting the Union with organising the inaugural event.
On the occasion, Samanta and other dignitaries released a special edition of “Samabaya Samachar” and the Cooperative Circular Book published by the Odisha State Cooperative Union.
