During the meeting, Shri Kashyap reviewed the preparedness for paddy procurement in the Kharif season of 2024-25, targeting the purchase of 160 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Officials reported that 4 lakh metric tonnes had already been procured. Shri Kashyap directed that all farmers selling paddy through cooperative societies must be provided with seamless services, including operational micro ATMs and distribution of Rupay cards.
The minister also examined the establishment of fisheries, dairy, and minor forest produce committees in every gram panchayat, alongside the construction of warehouses under Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). He stressed the need for swift completion of warehouses where construction was pending. It was revealed that under the Government of India’s decentralized food storage scheme, 725 PACS warehouses with a capacity of 200 metric tonnes each have been approved, adding 1.45 lakh metric tonnes to the state’s storage capacity.
Additionally, Shri Kashyap reviewed progress in the computerization of cooperative societies, the establishment of Common Service Centers, and membership in national cooperative organizations, including the Indian Seed Cooperative Society and the National Cooperative Organic Society. Officials noted that Chhattisgarh is the first state to register all its PACS on the NCCF portal for maize procurement at the support price.
Other key topics discussed included the introduction of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras in PACS and the enhancement of cooperative institutions. Senior officials, including Registrar Cooperative Societies Shri Kuldeep Sharma and PCCF Shri Anil Sahu, participated in the meeting alongside representatives from animal husbandry, fisheries, and state cooperative organizations
