Bihar Delegation to Learn from Gujarat's Cooperative Success
In a significant move to revitalize Bihar's agricultural sector, State Cooperative Minister Pramod Kumar announced on Monday that a team of approximately 50 individuals associated with cooperative societies will be dispatched to Gujarat. The primary objective is to study and analyze Gujarat's renowned cooperative farming and milk production models, which have been instrumental in generating employment and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Focus on Small Landholdings and Employment Generation
Addressing a press conference in Patna, Minister Pramod Kumar emphasized Bihar's strong potential for cooperative farming, particularly given the prevalence of small landholdings across the state. He highlighted that the 50-member delegation will meticulously examine how cooperative farming is practiced in Gujarat and the employment opportunities it has created. After a thorough study, the team will work towards replicating similar successful models in Bihar, aiming to transform the agricultural landscape and boost rural livelihoods.
The minister underscored the significant potential of cooperatives to generate employment, stating that the cooperative department is actively exploring various avenues to expand job opportunities through this sector. He noted that cooperatives can play a vital role in livelihood generation, especially in rural areas where economic opportunities are often limited.
Case Study: Tilkut Business and Sesame Production
Citing the example of Gaya's well-known 'tilkut' business, Minister Kumar pointed out that while numerous firms are engaged in tilkut production in the region, the sesame seeds required for its preparation are not produced locally in Bihar. Instead, these seeds are sourced from other states such as Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. "After consulting with farmers, we will explore the feasibility of producing sesame in the Magadh region through cooperative farming," he said, indicating a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency and value addition within the state.
Departmental Initiatives and Recruitment Drive
In addition to the Gujarat study tour, the minister informed that the cooperative department has sent a requisition to fill 1,284 vacant posts. These positions include 632 cooperative extension officers, 198 auditors, 274 lower division clerks, and 126 peons. This recruitment drive is expected to strengthen the department's capacity to implement and manage cooperative initiatives effectively.
Expanding Services Through PACS and CSCs
Providing details on ongoing initiatives, Minister Kumar highlighted that Primary Agriculture Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS) are currently delivering around 300 different services through Common Service Centres (CSCs). So far, CSCs have been established in 6,301 PACS across Bihar. Furthermore, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been set up in 329 PACS, and 2,304 PACS and societies have been issued licenses for fertilizer sales, enhancing accessibility and support for farmers.
In terms of digitalization, the first phase saw 4,477 PACS being computerized. A proposal has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Cooperation for the computerization of an additional 2,330 PACS in the state, aiming to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Paddy Procurement Achievements
Reviewing paddy procurement in 23 districts, Minister Kumar reported that 29.22 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured so far, achieving 79.30% of the target of 36.85 lakh metric tonnes set for the current Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26. This procurement involved 4.28 lakh farmers through 6,879 cooperative societies, with Rs 6,400 crore transferred directly into farmers' bank accounts as Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring timely and transparent payments.
The press conference was also attended by key officials including Cooperative Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Registrar of Cooperative Societies Rajnish Kumar Singh, Additional Registrar Ram Naresh Pandey, and Managing Director of Veg Fed, Dr. Gagan, underscoring the collaborative effort behind these initiatives.
