Fri Jan 31 21:26:21 IST 2025: ## Mayiladuthurai’s PACS Empowers Women’s Self-Help Groups with Cooperative Loans

**Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu –** The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society (PACS) in Mayiladuthurai district has disbursed ₹71.75 crore in cooperative loans to 2,293 beneficiaries this year, significantly boosting women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and agricultural entrepreneurship. The initiative, exceeding expectations, aims to reach ₹82 crore by the end of the financial year.

According to Joint Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives, A. Thayala Vinayagan Amulraj, these loans have been transformative for women’s livelihoods. The loans are prioritized for women’s SHGs involved in ventures like dairy farming, food processing, and tailoring. This year, new SHGs receive ₹3 lakh, up from ₹2 lakh previously.

Concessional interest rates of 7% (compared to the standard 10.75%) and collaboration with the Mahalir Thittam program (providing entrepreneurship training) further support the SHGs’ growth. One beneficiary, T. Vetrimani of the Ganapathy SHG, highlighted the impact, stating that a ₹6 lakh loan enabled her to purchase cattle, adding ₹7,000 to her monthly income. The district’s predominantly agricultural nature makes these loans a crucial supplementary income source for women. The program underscores the positive impact of cooperative lending on rural economic empowerment.

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