Union Minister Amit Shah reviewed the world’s largest cooperative food grain storage initiative, highlighting the key role of PACS and its potential to strengthen rural development. The scheme is designed to contribute to GDP growth, generate employment, and advance the goals of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to assess the progress of the world’s largest cooperative food grain storage scheme. The meeting included senior officials from the Ministry of Cooperation, FCI, NABARD, NAFED, NCCF, NCDC, and other key institutions.

Shah emphasized that the initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”, aiming to strengthen rural employment, enhance the role of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and contribute significantly to India’s GDP. He stated that the scheme would boost the financial sustainability of PACS while generating new income opportunities and supporting rural supply chain development.

To ensure localized storage solutions, Shah instructed the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution and FCI to conduct nationwide warehouse mapping and expand PACS connectivity with storage facilities operated by FCI, NCCF, NAFED, and State Warehousing Corporations. He also advocated for broader access to credit through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to enhance PACS’ infrastructure and capacity.

States were urged to maximize PACS participation and involve State-Level Marketing Federations to build a complete cooperative supply chain from storage to market. Shah called for coordinated and timely implementation, stressing that the scheme is key to advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat and empowering rural India through cooperation.