New Delhi, July 1, 2025 — In a major push towards modernization and inclusion in India’s cooperative banking ecosystem, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, inaugurated the National Workshop on “Emerging Technologies in PACS” held at PHD House, New Delhi. The event brought together key stakeholders from across 12 states including 122 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) members, senior officers, representatives from NABARD, NCDC, NFDB, NCCT, NCCF, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and others.
The workshop focused on digitization, AI, IoT integration, precision agriculture tools, and policy innovation to transform PACS into dynamic economic engines aligned with the goals of Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
A Historic Step Towards Cooperative Empowerment by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani
Dr. Bhutani recalled the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation on July 6, 2021, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, as a historic step to reform and revitalize India’s century-old cooperative ecosystem. With over 1 lakh PACS and 13 crore members, cooperative institutions remain a crucial pillar of rural economic support.
Digital India Meets Rural Credit: From Tradition to Transformation
Despite a decrease in the share of cooperative credit institutions in short-term lending to 15%, beneficiary outreach of PACS has risen to 42%, underlining their impact among small and marginal farmers. Dr. Bhutani emphasized that technology adoption is now indispensable:
“The cooperative banking structure must embrace emerging technologies, enhance transparency, and resolve HR issues to remain competitive and viable.”
He highlighted that out of nearly 2,000 banking licenses in India, 1,900 belong to the cooperative sector, yet their limited product offerings and slow tech adoption had once led to regulatory restrictions.
Three Major Pillars of PACS Revamp
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Model Bye-Laws for PACS Diversification
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Enable PACS to function beyond credit and agri-inputs into 26 activities including storage, retail, dairy, LPG distribution, CSCs, etc.
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Aimed at making PACS self-sustaining social and economic hubs.
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National Database of Cooperatives
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Allows real-time gap analysis, decentralized planning, and policy targeting by states and the Centre.
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Massive PACS Computerisation Drive
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₹3,000 crore invested so far under the scheme.
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Target: Digitise 80,000 PACS and integrate them with all Government of India schemes.
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Compared PACS computerisation to the Indian Railways ticketing revolution, projecting enhanced transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
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Tech-Driven Future: From Advisory Services to Financial Inclusion
Dr. Bhutani stressed the need to embed emerging technologies into rural frameworks. He outlined possibilities such as:
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Weather, disaster, and pest advisories integrated into PACS systems
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Use of AI, IoT, AgriTech tools for smarter agricultural interventions
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Cooperative fintech innovations for easier access to credit and insurance
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Making PACS a “One-Stop Shop” for all rural development and welfare schemes
Symbolic and Practical Support
As a part of PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and to mark the International Year of Cooperatives, Dr. Bhutani planted a sapling, emphasizing environmental responsibility alongside institutional growth.
Stalls showcasing innovation by cooperatives, start-ups, and success stories from Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Mizoram offered insight into practical progress on the ground.
Voices from the Ground & Collaborative Dialogue
The workshop featured three technical sessions covering:
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PACS in the age of Digital India
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Cooperative Fintech and Policy Innovations
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Leveraging Emerging Tools in Precision Agriculture
In addition, experience sharing by state RCSs and Secretaries, and concerns raised by PACS members, enriched the participatory tone of the event. The workshop concluded with certificate distribution to participating PACS members, affirming their central role in shaping India’s cooperative transformation.
Conclusion: Cooperatives as Engines of Rural Prosperity
The workshop, led by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, marks a vital step in digitally empowering grassroots cooperatives. As India modernizes its credit systems and integrates new technologies, PACS are being re-envisioned not just as financial institutions, but as dynamic agents of rural development, innovation, and inclusive growth.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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