Significant strides made to strengthen cooperative sector: Javed Dar

As the United Nations Organization (UNO) has declared 2025 as the ‘International Year of Cooperatives’ under the theme ‘Cooperatives build a better world’, Minister for Cooperative, Agriculture Production and Rural Development Departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, today said that Jammu and Kashmir has made significant strides in strengthening the cooperative sector for welfare and progress of farmers and rural communities.

He said special focus is being given on the cooperative sector globally and J&K is also keenly focusing on promotion of the sector and all serious efforts shall be made under the theme decided by UNO.

The Minister said that computerisation of 537 primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS) at a cost of Rs 1746.27 lakh has significantly strengthened cooperative sector in J&K. Highlighting the importance of digitization of PACS, the Minister said that it has enhanced operational efficiency, improved transparency and promoted financial inclusion, ensuring better service delivery for farmers and rural communities.

Improving healthcare access to the people, establishment of 46 Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAKs) through PACS have been established, making quality medicines available at affordable rates and reducing healthcare costs for rural populations.

The Minister added that the cooperative network has been further strengthened with the launch of 144 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, which act as one-stop agricultural service hubs. “These centres provide farmers with high-quality seeds, fertilizers and expert advisory services to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability and empower farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge,” asserted the Minister.

In a major step towards digital inclusion, 480 Common Service Centres have been established through PACS, bridging the rural-urban digital divide. “These centres offer access to online government services, e-governance platforms, banking, and financial assistance, ensuring seamless service delivery to rural populations” the Minister said.