Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (Bureau) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday urged cooperative societies to collect rice under government regulations, warning that strict action would be taken for non-compliance. While inaugurating the 71st All India Cooperative Week Celebration here, Majhi announced that the paddy procurement program would begin within a week, with the Cooperative Department taking full responsibility for its execution. This year, he said, the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) under the department will operate over 4,000 paddy collection centers across the state. Majhi instructed that farmers must be able to sell their paddy to the government in a clean, straightforward, and transparent manner without any cropping issues and should receive payment within 48 hours; failure to ensure this will result in strict measures.
Addressing cooperative members from various unions present at the event, the Chief Minister noted that more than 2,600 primary cooperative societies in Odisha serve as a bridge between the government and the farmers. He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperative institutions, as they provide essential services such as crop insurance, fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides to farmers. “These institutions are a source of hope for the poor and marginalized communities at the grassroots level,” Majhi stated. He added that over five million farming families in Odisha are directly and indirectly connected with the cooperative movement and rely on these institutions for their livelihoods. Majhi highlighted the legacy of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, who laid the foundation for cooperative institutions in Odisha by establishing a cooperative store in Cuttack in 1898. In 1904, the first cooperative legislation was introduced, solidifying the role of cooperatives.
Majhi noted past criticisms of primary cooperatives regarding “evergreening” farmers’ loans and stressed the importance of maintaining updated records. He recommended that registrars focus on ensuring all processes are computerized for better accountability. During the event, the Chief Minister hoisted the Cooperative flag at the Cooperative Bhawan premises and released a guidebook. Minister of State for Cooperatives, Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Pradeep Bala Samanta, acknowledged the transformative role of cooperatives in rural development, noting their revolutionary impact on the state’s agricultural economy. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach society’s poorest through the cooperative movement.