Bhubaneswar: Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, stressed on Thursday that strengthening the cooperative sector will enhance efficiency and benefit communities across Odisha.
He was in Bhubaneswar to attend the 4th State Cooperative Development Committee meeting, which State Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired.
During the meeting, officials reviewed progress in computerising Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) offices. The operationalisation of new PACS and LAMPCS was also discussed, according to I&PR Department.
These societies are now fully functional and set to improve local cooperative services.
A major focus was the execution of the world’s largest grain storage plan, aimed at boosting food security and improving supply chain efficiency.
The expansion of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jana-Aushadhi Kendras and Common Service Centres through PACS was also highlighted, ensuring wider access to healthcare and essential services.
The meeting also emphasised the diversification of PACS and LAMPCS into multi-purpose service centres.
Separately, Bhutani expressed satisfaction over the progress made by Omfed in milk production and value-added dairy products during his visit to its headquarters at Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar.
Addressing a high-level review meeting, he said that Omfed has created a new chapter in Odisha’s dairy sector through consistent growth in milk procurement, processing, and product diversification.
He also appreciated the organization’s efforts in adopting modern technology to produce high-quality and hygienic dairy products.
During the meeting, Vijay Amruta Kulange, Managing Director, Omfed, briefed the Union secretary on the organization’s various products and ongoing development initiatives. Bhutani expressed happiness over the increase in milk production in the State, attributing part of the growth to the implementation of the State government’s Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana.
