Odisha CM Seeks Central Backing for Cooperative Sector Revamp

(OT Webdesk)In a strategic move to bolster Odisha’s cooperative ecosystem, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, at Lok Seva Bhawan on August 25.

The high-level meeting focused on securing central support for a series of proposals aimed at revitalising the cooperative sector across the state.

CM Majhi outlined key initiatives, including extending the loan repayment period for Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) from five to ten years, reviving defunct sugar mills in Bargarh and Balangir, and establishing a satellite centre of the National Tribhuvan Cooperative University in Gopalpur.

He also proposed the creation of cold storage and warehouse facilities in every district and subdivision, promotion of Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs), and financial assistance for newly formed PACS.

Union MoS Mohol lauded Odisha’s proactive efforts and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to cooperative development.

He encouraged the state to study successful pilot models from other regions and assured full support for the proposed initiatives.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Cooperation Secretary Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and Omfed MD Vijay Amrut Kulange, signalling a unified push toward cooperative reform.