New Delhi, Jan 15: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) successfully organized the National Cooperative Workshop on “Building PACS-led Smart Cooperatives for Viksit Bharat @2047” at PHD House, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, cooperative leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) as the backbone of India’s cooperative movement and rural economy.
The workshop witnessed the participation of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary, APEDA; Shri Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSF); Shri DileepBhai Sanghani, Chair, Committee on Cooperatives, PHDCCI; Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, and Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, along with senior cooperative leaders and PACS representatives from across the country.
Shri Dileepbhai Sanghani, Chair, Committee on Cooperatives, PHDCCI, referred to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” and noted that the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation has created a dedicated institutional framework for strengthening the cooperative sector. He stated that cooperatives both multi-state and state-level along with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) form the backbone of the cooperative ecosystem and play a critical role in rural and agricultural development. He emphasized that cooperatives and PACS must evolve into professionally governed, digitally enabled, multi-purpose institutions delivering credit, services, value addition, storage, marketing, and market linkages at the grassroots level. He underlined the importance of transparency, democratic functioning, and coordinated efforts among government, cooperatives, and industry to enable the cooperative sector to contribute effectively towards the national objective of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary, APEDA, emphasized that a developed India by 2047 cannot be imagined without strengthening PACS, as they form the foundational pillar of rural and agrarian India. Highlighting India’s globally recognized cooperative model, he stressed the need to transform PACS into multi-functional, technology-enabled institutions. He elaborated on APEDA’s initiatives with FPOs, FPCs, cooperatives, and agri-startups, including innovation-led solutions, tech-enabled services, and SPS compliance, noting that nearly 50% of India’s agri-exports are facilitated through APEDA-supported ecosystems. He called for developing a clear roadmap with actionable outcomes emerging from the workshop.
Shri Prakash Naiknavare, MD, NFCSF Ltd., highlighted the critical role of PACS as grassroots institutions driving farmer prosperity under the vision of “Sarkar se Samruddhi – Prosperity through Cooperation.” He underlined how PACS are evolving from single-purpose credit institutions into multi-service rural business hubs, improving access to credit, reducing dependence on informal lending, strengthening rural supply chains, and promoting cooperative entrepreneurship. Drawing parallels with cooperative sugar mills, he explained how assured procurement, timely payments, infrastructure development, and coordination with PACS have significantly enhanced farmers’ income and strengthened PACS’ financial health.
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), welcomed the distinguished gathering of cooperative leaders, institutional heads, and representatives from organisations such as IFFCO, NCUI, NAFED, BBSSL, PACS, and other cooperative bodies from across India. He stated that as PHDCCI marks 121 years of its establishment, the Chamber remains committed to advancing meaningful dialogue on national priorities. Dr. Mehta underlined that the workshop on PACS-led smart cooperative models is a significant step towards strengthening grassroots institutions through collaboration, innovation, and policy alignment, thereby supporting inclusive rural growth and the broader vision of a developed India.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, extended greetings to farmers and rural communities on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, noting the festival’s significance as a symbol of prosperity through focused effort. He highlighted that the workshop reflected the collective strength of farmers, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs coming together to advance national development. Referring to the role of the Ministry of Cooperation, he stated that the creation of a dedicated ministry has provided renewed direction to strengthen cooperatives and enhance their resilience. He emphasized the need for a firm commitment to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) through smart services, technology adoption, and institutional support to create greater opportunities for rural youth and women, thereby accelerating inclusive growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The workshop reaffirmed the collective resolve of government, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders to empower PACS and other cooperative institutions as drivers of rural prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth on the path to Viksit Bharat @2047.