The Ministry of Cooperation has implemented a centrally sponsored project for computerization of functional Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with a total financial outlay of ₹2,925.39 crore. The project aims to bring 79,630 PACS onto a common ERP-based National Software to improve operational efficiency, transparency and service delivery. The implementation has been carried out in phases across States/UTs, with 63,686 PACS already onboarded on the ERP system as per the state-wise data provided in Annexure-A.
The Government also approved the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector on May 31, 2023, which involves creation of various agricultural infrastructure at PACS level including warehouses, custom hiring centers, processing units, and Fair Price Shops. This plan leverages convergence of existing Government of India schemes such as Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME). Under this initiative, 1,015 PACS have been identified for godown construction, with work completed in 313 PACS creating a total storage capacity of 1.80 Lakh Metric Tons.
The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) has exported over 14,89,102 Metric Tons of 50 agricultural products valued at ₹5,866.10 crores to 38 countries since its establishment as an umbrella organization for exports from cooperative societies whose members are predominantly small and marginal farmers.
The ERP-based Common National Software under the PACS Computerization Project provides standardized modules for accounting, statutory audit and Management Information System (MIS), enabling maintenance of digital records, generation of audit trails and standardized financial reporting. This enhances transparency, accountability and efficiency in PACS functioning and facilitates statutory audits by providing necessary digital records and audit-related information.