Professionalism needed in agri societies: Jagan

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for more professionalism in the functioning of Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS), release of quality fertilisers to farmers and full computerisation of PACS by November.

PACS should play a vital role in rural economies. There should be regular audits in APCOB, PACS and DCCBs, he said.

The Chief Minister asked the PACS to promptly give interest to farmers and women at lower rates than charged by commercial banks. “Also, give them loans on gold at a lower interest rate than commercial banks,” he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy stressed the need for a comprehensive study to improve the functioning of district cooperative marketing societies (DCMS) in the backdrop of the PACS being linked to the RBKs.

At a review meeting here on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, “Since RBKs are functioning like branches of APCOB and DCCBs and every PAC is having jurisdiction over three to four RBKs that are extending credit and non-credit services, the functioning of DCMS also should be improved to extend their services to suit the changed circumstances.”

 The CM App is playing a key role in ensuring MSP for various agricultural produces, the CM said, adding that DCMs also should play a key role in this.

There is a need to integrate the primary and secondary food processing systems with the DCMs, he said.

“Officials should undertake a study on all these aspects and submit a detailed report to me on the steps to be taken,” the CM said.

He said, “While the PACS should be made fully professional, they should also act as regional offices for RBKs. All PACS should be fully computerised by November. PACS should ensure that quality fertilisers are supplied while providing agricultural and gold loans to farmers and women for lesser interest rates than commercial banks to boost up the rural economy. Update the revenue records and make them available at the PACS, which should develop SOPs on sanctioning loans in a transparent, efficient and flexible manner.”

Officials informed the CM that the worth of financial transactions in all PACS across the state went up to ₹21,906 crores from ₹11,884.97 crores in the last four years and 400 PACs have come out of the losses.

Jagan Mohan Reddy asked them to take the necessary steps to ensure that all PACS and DCCBs also recorded profits. He was also informed that APCOB registered a growth rate of 175 per cent in the last four years. Its financial transactions went up to ₹ 36,732.43 crores from ₹13,322.55 crores while the worth of its non-performing assets has come down by 50  per cent.

Jagan Mohan Reddy directed APCOB to extend support to women by providing self-employment opportunities through the Cheyutha funds.