India has accelerated reforms in its cooperative sector as part of the broader vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi and in line with the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The focus is on making cooperatives more digital, inclusive, transparent and economically viable, especially at the grassroots level through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy, fisheries and credit institutions.
Cooperative Movement and Policy Push
India’s cooperative movement has deep roots in community-based development and participatory governance. The sector now spans agriculture, credit, banking, housing, dairy, fisheries and women-led enterprises. A dedicated Ministry of Cooperation, the National Cooperative Database, and the National Cooperation Policy 2025 have strengthened institutional focus. The policy aims to modernise cooperatives and align them with Viksit Bharat 2047.
Digitalisation of PACS and Rural Services
The computerisation of PACS is a major reform. Thousands of societies are being linked to an ERP-based national platform for transparent accounting, online audits and digital transactions. PACS are also being converted into multi-service centres. They now function as Common Service Centres, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, fuel outlets and water service units in many areas.
Expansion of Cooperative Enterprises
The government is promoting new multipurpose PACS, dairy and fisheries cooperatives to widen rural coverage. It has also supported farmer producer organisations and fish farmer producer organisations through cooperative institutions. New national-level bodies such as Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited, National Cooperative Organics Limited and National Co-operative Exports Limited are being used to strengthen seed systems, organic farming and exports.
Financial Inclusion, Storage and Capacity Building
Cooperative banks are being integrated more closely with digital and grievance-redress systems. Rural credit access is being expanded through RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and bank mitra models. The world’s largest decentralised grain storage plan in the cooperative sector is also being implemented. In parallel, Tribhuvan Sahkari University has been established to build skilled manpower for the sector.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026