Silchar: “Our aim is to build sustainable and transparent systems that directly uplift farmers and cooperative members,” said Cachar Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS, while chairing the District Cooperative Development Committee (DCDC) meeting held in Silchar on Wednesday. Present at the meeting were District Development Commissioner Norsing Bey, and officials from NABARD, FCI, and the Dairy and Agriculture Departments.

The meeting focused on key cooperative sector initiatives, including godown construction, the rollout of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samriddhi Kendra (PMKSK), PACS computerisation, dairy subsidies, and micro food processing schemes. DC Yadav underlined the government’s commitment to empowering rural communities through modern infrastructure, financial incentives, and institution-building.

A major highlight was the proposed construction of godowns under the world’s largest granary initiative. These facilities, with a proposed storage capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes, will be built by Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in line with Food Corporation of India (FCI) standards. Backed by NABARD data, the project promises a 33% subsidy, 3% interest subvention, and other incentives. FCI is expected to finalise suitable locations shortly.

Progress was also reviewed on PMKSK, with nine PACS in Cachar already obtaining fertilizer licenses. Talks are ongoing with the Agriculture Marketing Board to expedite allotments, marking a step forward in converting PACS into one-stop agri-service centres.

On the dairy front, DC Yadav informed that the Rs 5-per-litre subsidy scheme for dairy farmers is currently delayed due to the non-functionality of the Ghoongoor dairy plant. However, he assured that necessary steps would be taken to resolve the issue and operationalise the scheme soon.

The committee also lauded the initiative of the Hmarkhawlein Multipurpose Agri Producer Cooperative Society Ltd., which has applied under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme to establish a Rs70-lakh food processing unit. The move is expected to create local employment and promote value addition.

Cachar’s cooperative movement is also embracing digital transformation. As many as 32 PACS have been brought under the central computerisation scheme, with nine shortlisted for conversion into e-PACS in the first phase. This shift is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. In addition, 12 new multipurpose PACS have been registered in the district under central government guidelines.

The meeting concluded with a call to action by DC Yadav, who urged all stakeholders to work together in building a strong, inclusive, and farmer-centric cooperative ecosystem that resonates with the aspirations of rural Cachar.