Union minister of Cooperation launches initiatives to strengthen cooperatives sector | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Union minister of Cooperation launches initiatives to strengthen cooperatives sector

Posted 20 Sep 2024

2 min read

Key initiatives launched

  • Margdarshika:  Action plan for  2 lakh new Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Dairy, and Fishery Cooperatives.
    • PACS are the grass root level arms of the short-term co-operative credit structure.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ‘White Revolution 2.0’: It is focused on women’s empowerment through dairy initiatives.
    • It is expected to increase milk procurement to 1,000 lakh kilograms per day by 2029.
  • SOPs for ‘Cooperation among Cooperatives’: for financial inclusion.
    • Through this program, cooperative bank accounts were opened for members of cooperative societies.

Significance of cooperatives sector

  • Removing inequality: as they are people-centered, not capital-centered, they distribute wealth in a more fair way.
  • Empowerment of farmers: cooperative societies like NAFED, IFFCO, and AMUL have played a crucial role in the social and economic development of the farmers.
  • Financial inclusion: cooperative banks provide loans to their members at low interest rates.
  • Women empowerment: as it helps in increasing their representation and income.

About White Revolution

  • The milk revolution, popularly known as White Revolution, started in 1970 with the programme - Operation Flood. 
  • Operation Flood was implemented in three phases: 
    • Phase I (1970-80): Linked 18 milksheds to 4 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai).
    • Phase II (1981-1985): Established 43,000 village cooperatives, boosting milk powder production from 22,000 to 140,000 tons.
    • Phase III (1985-1996): Added 30,000 new cooperatives; emphasis on research and development in animal health etc.
  • Current Status:  India is the highest milk producer  with 230.58 million tonnes production (2022-23).
  • Tags :
  • PACS
  • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
  • White Revolution 2.0
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