Odisha CM Launches ‘Sambandh’ Mega Cooperative Membership Drive

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched the mega cooperative membership drive ‘Sambandh’ aimed at encouraging farmers to join Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS).

Speaking at the state-level launch programme held at OUAT Krushi Shiksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar, Majhi described cooperative institutions as an important support system for farmers and urged more farmers to become members of PACS and LAMPCS.

The Chief Minister said the initiative seeks to strengthen the relationship between the government and farming families. Under the State Cooperation Policy 2026, PACS and LAMPCS are being developed as multi-service, one-stop centres in rural areas. The policy was approved by the state Cabinet in January 2026.

These centres are being equipped to provide services related to fertilisers, seeds, farm machinery, banking, crop insurance and milk collection, besides supporting agricultural activities.

During the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated 185 transformed mandis, 50 Custom Hiring Centres, 250 Common Service Centres, 60 Consumer Stores, new offices and warehouses at 70 PACS, and milk collection centres at 21 PACS. He also laid the foundation stones for four model mandis and three grain storage warehouses.

The online system through National PACS Software was launched in 300 PACS, with emphasis on core banking and real-time settlement.

For the first time, the government also began the process of distributing dividends to farmer-members of PACS and LAMPCS. Dividends for the 2024-25 financial year are expected to benefit around eight lakh farmers associated with more than 500 societies.

₹15,000 Per Acre Subsidy for Sugarcane Farmers

Majhi also launched a scheme to promote sugarcane production in cooperative sugar mill areas. Initially, farmers in the Badamba and Aska cooperative sugar mill regions will receive an input subsidy of ₹15,000 per acre.

He directed the Agriculture Department to provide farmers with improved sugarcane varieties having higher sugar content.

The Chief Minister also distributed appointment letters to 66 people, including 11 Assistant Superintendents and 19 Warehouse Assistants of the Odisha State Warehousing Corporation and 36 Cooperative Inspectors.

Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said the campaign aims to connect at least one member from every family with the cooperative sector. Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the importance of strengthening and digitising the cooperative sector for Odisha’s development goals.

Senior officials, cooperative members, farmers and representatives of PACS and LAMPCS attended the programme.