Rural Development

Emphasising on the extensive involvement of PACS in the food storage scheme, the Union Minister of Cooperation said that it is necessary to make PACS an integral part of this scheme so that the financial viability and social effectiveness of PACS can be ensured.

Through the KCC framework, farmers benefit from revolving credit facilities for up to five years. This flexible structure allows them to draw and repay funds as per their seasonal requirements without having to reapply for loans each season.

He urged agro-based industries, NGOs, MPs, and MLAs to adopt villages and help build agri-entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Dhankhar urged farmers to see themselves as entrepreneurs with the potential to drive rural economies. He underscored the importance of participating in the input chain of agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides, machinery) and the output chain including storage, processing, and retail.

The ministry of agriculture and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will jointly implement the campaign with a broad coalition of stakeholders, including agricultural universities, state government departments, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and leading progressive farmers.

This project will help the country recover from this flood and build resilience to future floods by addressing damages to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods in Eastern districts.

The municipality has handed over the operation of the ambulance to the cooperative until mid-August. While the vehicle remains property of the local government, the day-to-day operations are fully managed by the Ekata Agricultural Cooperative.

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.