Odisha CM Seeks Central Support for state’s Cooperative Development

Bhubaneswar:25/8/25:In a significant meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held discussions with Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, focusing on the advancement of the cooperative sector in Odisha.

The meeting highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts and achievements in cooperative development, with the Chief Minister presenting several proposals to bolster the sector with central government support.

During the discussions, Chief Minister Majhi outlined key initiatives taken by the Odisha government to strengthen cooperatives. He emphasised the state’s progress in the sector and sought central assistance for further growth. The proposals included extending the loan repayment period for Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) from 5 to 10 years, revitalizing sugar mills in Bargarh and Balangir, establishing a satellite center of the National Tribhuvan Cooperative University in Gopalpur, setting up cold storage and warehouses in every district and subdivision, promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and providing financial assistance to all new primary agricultural cooperative societies.

Expressing satisfaction with Odisha’s efforts, MoS Mohol highlighted the central government’s commitment to cooperative development across states, noting that some states have been selected for pilot projects. He advised Odisha to study the operational models of these states and assured full support from the central government for the state’s cooperative development initiatives.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Cooperation Secretary Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Suresh Kumar Vashist, Joint Secretary of the Government of India Raman Kumar, Anand Jha, and Omfed Managing Director Vijay Amrut Kulange, along with other senior officials.