Delhi, Feb 4: As per the National Cooperative Database (NCD), as of 20.01.2026, there are a total of 4,262 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Odisha, out of which 4,147 are functional.

To modernise and computerise PACS in the State, 4,240 PACS have been sanctioned and Rs 18.07 crore has been released in FY 2025-26 under the computerization of PACS project.

Additionally, as on 25.01.2026, NCDC has cumulatively disbursed Rs 5,10,955.14 crore for the development of cooperative institutions across the country. Out of which Rs 3,347.35 crore has been disbursed for cooperative development in Odisha.

The Ministry of Cooperation, since its inception on 6th July, 2021, has undertaken several initiatives to realize the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi” and to diversify PACS to undertake different activities across the country, including the State of Odisha.

New Model Bye-Laws, adopted by 32 States and UTs, enable PACS to undertake more than 25 different business activities. These activities specifically include operating dairy collection centers, fishery support services, and the procurement of foodgrain.

The Government is implementing a plan to establish 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS, dairy, and fishery cooperatives to ensure every uncovered Panchayat is served by these institutions.

PACS are being integrated into the "World’s Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan," which constructs godowns and primary processing units at the society level. This allows PACS to function as local procurement and warehousing hubs, helping farmers avoid distress sales.

The Government has taken specific steps to modernize the cooperative credit structure and ensure financial inclusion for small and marginal farmers across the country including Odisha:

To enhance transparency and accountability, 4,240 PACS in Odisha have been sanctioned for computerization. The Government released ₹18.07 crore to the state in FY 2025-26 to bring these societies onto a common ERP-based national software, which facilitates faster loan disbursal and real-time accounting.

Government has enhanced the limit for Cash Deposits and Payments by PACS and Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs) from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2 lakh per member. This provision will facilitate their activities, increase the business, and benefit members of their societies.