State to transform coop societies into rural hubs

CHANDIGARH: To strengthen primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS) and enhance their business by an increased footfall, the Punjab government will transform these into cooperative rural hubs.

The two-pronged approach will also help provide essential commodities, electronic goods and other items of daily needs at the village level through these societies.

Punjab additional chief secretary, cooperation, DP Reddy said there was a need to strengthen PACS in view of their thin profits. In fact, 30% of these societies are running in losses, he said.

The officer said more agricultural service centres should also be established in PACS to provide farm implements on custom-hiring basis to cut the capital expenditure of farmers. He said it will also prevent stubble burning.

Reddy was speaking at a workshop on primary agriculture cooperative societies here. He directed the officers to draft a roadmap within 15 days to set up rural hubs, which could be made functional by April.

“A mobile application will also be launched to facilitate the tillers to get implements used for management of crop residue and field preparation on custom-hiring basis,” he said.

HUBS WILL PROVIDE ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES, ELECTRONIC GOODS AT VILLAGE LEVEL, SAYS A GOVT OFFICIAL