“As per report, in 18 States/UTs, 28,648 PACS are currently operating as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) in the country. The Government aims to operationalize PMKSKs in a phased manner, in all the PACS”, said Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah while replying to a query raised by a Rajya Sabha MP.
He further added, “The Government has allowed Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) to operate PMKSKs for ensuring easy accessibility of fertilizers, pesticides and related services to farmers in the country. PACS functioning as PMKSK will help in offering quality agri-inputs, like fertilizers, seeds, farm implements, pesticides, soil/seed testing facilities, etc., to the farmers under one roof, at competitive prices”.
“Through PMKSKs, information on crop related issues & Government schemes is also made available to farmers. Further, regular capacity building of retailers at Block/District level centres is also ensured”, Shah reply reads.
PACS functioning as PMKSKs will serve as “One Stop Shop” for agricultural-related inputs and services for farmers in rural areas. This initiative will provide various benefits to PACS, such as providing a stable and additional source of income to them and generating employment opportunities at Panchayat/village Level.