Himachal Pradesh continues to set an example for the nation in the cooperative sector, with Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri stating that the state has become a model of trust and success in cooperatives. Speaking at a review meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Cooperative Department, he emphasized that the cooperative movement is reaching every household in the state and transforming rural livelihoods.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, who lauded Himachal Pradesh as an “ideal state for cooperatives.” While reviewing centrally sponsored cooperative initiatives, the Union Minister also launched 121 e-PACS (electronic Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), a move aimed at digitizing grassroots-level financial access.
Deputy CM Agnihotri highlighted that nearly 20 lakh people in Himachal are associated with various cooperative societies, which are playing a vital role in women empowerment, financial inclusion, and rural development. Himachal, often called the birthplace of cooperatives, is home to 2,287 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The state has also recently formed six new multipurpose societies to expand cooperative reach.
The cooperative ecosystem in Himachal is diverse and robust. There are 971 dairy societies engaged in milk production and distribution, 441 savings and credit societies, 386 primary marketing cooperative societies, and 76 societies serving the fishing community. The dairy sector is seeing substantial growth, with 561 new societies established recently to boost milk production and rural employment.
To support and modernize this growing sector, the state has drafted the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Policy 2025, aligning it with the Centre’s cooperative vision. The Deputy Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to provide financial support for the computerization of societies, digitization of Himfed and Milkfed, and the early release of funds for the HIMCAPS College of Law in Una district. He also appealed for a reconsideration of the fee structure of the proposed Tribhuvan Cooperative University, envisioned as a national hub for cooperative education and capacity building.
Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar assured full central support to strengthen Himachal’s cooperative ecosystem. He also congratulated the state government on achieving full literacy, a feat that further enhances the potential of cooperative education and participation.
The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders, including Registrar of Cooperative Societies D.C. Negi, Joint Secretary (Ministry of Cooperation) Raman Kumar, and Secretary Cooperation (Himachal Pradesh) C. Paulrasu, along with representatives from Himfed, Milkfed, IFFCO, and numerous cooperative groups. The session also included a presentation highlighting the performance and achievements of cooperative societies across the state.
🌟👏 Himachal leading the way in cooperatives! Empowering rural communities & women while embracing digital growth