Wed Sep 03 19:14:56 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**NABARD Leads Workshop to Strengthen Cooperatives Across South and Central India**
**Hyderabad, September 4, 2025:** The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Cooperation and state Cooperation Departments, hosted a regional workshop in Hyderabad on Wednesday aimed at strengthening cooperative societies across Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
The workshop focused on strategies to enhance the role of cooperatives in fostering rural prosperity, improving food security, and driving inclusive growth. Siddharth Jain, Joint Secretary to the Ministry of Cooperation, emphasized the crucial function of cooperatives in achieving these goals.
NABARD Chairman Shaji K V, addressing the gathering virtually, highlighted the encouraging progress of the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) computerization project nationwide. He stated that the digital infrastructure being created will enable PACS to broaden their business models, engage in e-marketing, and deliver digital services to rural communities. The streamlining of operations through business process re-engineering, integration with higher-tier cooperative institutions, and core banking systems will also promote efficiency and financial inclusion.
Key discussion points included the formation of new multipurpose PACS, scaling operations of existing PACS/MPACS, accelerating the construction of grain storage infrastructure within cooperatives, and continued computerization efforts. The workshop underscores a concerted effort to modernize and empower cooperative societies to better serve rural communities.
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