To ensure timely access to fertilisers, seeds, MSP procurement, and low-interest cooperative bank loans, more than 22.68 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh have enrolled in Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (M-PACS) during the recently concluded membership drive. With this addition, the total number of M-PACS members in the state has risen to 1.03 crore.
The Cooperation Department aims to bring all farmers receiving PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi into the fold, leaving a major target of enrolling 1.85 crore additional farmers. Currently, about 2.88 crore farmers in the state are covered under the PM-Kisan scheme, of whom 2.15 crore received the latest instalment.
ALSO READ: Uttar Pradesh Weather: Lucknow To See Further Dip In Temperature, Fog Likely This Week | Forecast
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cooperation JPS Rathore said the membership drive, conducted from September 12 to November 15, saw an overwhelming response, with over 22.68 lakh farmers joining M-PACS. During this period, district cooperative banks also opened 2,09,538 new accounts, resulting in deposits worth Rs 545.56 crore.
Maharajganj, Shahjahanpur, Unnao, Bulandshahr, and Kheri recorded the highest number of new memberships.
According to Cooperative Commissioner and Registrar Yogesh Kumar, the state currently has 7,855 active M-PACS. Notably, the latest drive saw significant participation from 6.63 lakh young farmers (up to 40 years) and 3.16 lakh women farmers.
M-PACS members receive low-interest agricultural loans, priority in fertiliser distribution, and preference in the procurement of paddy and wheat at MSP. Members are also entitled to dividends from society profits and receive government schemes and subsidies on a priority basis.