CS Calls for Tech-Driven PACS Reform

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao on Friday directed officials to focus on capacity building, diversification and adoption of modern technology to make Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) more competitive and sustainable.

Rao, along with Union Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Butani, chaired the State Cooperative Development Committee meeting at the Secretariat. Senior officials from the Centre and the State attended the meeting to discuss measures for strengthening the cooperative sector in Telangana.

The Chief Secretary said Telangana has a strong cooperative movement with immense potential to contribute to inclusive economic growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening PACS and making them more viable and service-oriented at the grassroots level.

Highlighting the scope for expansion in sectors such as dairy and fisheries, Rao said cooperatives could generate significant employment and income opportunities in rural areas. He stressed the need for improved governance, digital integration, better financial management and skill development to strengthen cooperative societies.

Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperation Surendra Mohan said 60,925 cooperative societies are currently functioning across the State, reflecting the widespread presence of the cooperative movement. He added that Telangana is fully aligned with the Centre’s initiative to computerise PACS to improve transparency, efficiency and service delivery.

He also said the Telangana Cooperative Union is supporting the development of 311 PACS into Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), helping farmers gain better market access, value addition and collective bargaining power.

Mohan said the government is formulating a comprehensive State cooperative policy aimed at promoting professional management, financial sustainability, digital transformation and expansion into emerging sectors.