Gandhinagar, Feb 15 (NationPress) A significant gathering of Cooperation Ministers from all states and union territories is set to take place in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on February 17. This meeting aims to evaluate crucial reforms and expansion strategies within the cooperative sector, notably discussing plans to create two lakh new cooperative societies across the country, as reported by officials on Sunday.

The event, dubbed the 'Manthan Baithak', will be presided over by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre.

Representatives from various states, including Cooperation Ministers, along with key officials such as Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries, are anticipated to join.

This meeting will assess the progress of major initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Cooperation and promote discussions on a unified strategic roadmap for the sector.

Additionally, it will act as a forum for states and Union Territories to exchange experiences and best practices.

A primary focus of the agenda is the establishment of two lakh new Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) and dairy and fisheries cooperative societies. These initiatives aim to bolster rural credit systems and enhance service delivery in agriculture and related sectors.

The meeting will also review the expansion of a national network of modern warehouses under the grain storage initiative, concentrating on increasing storage capacity, ensuring price stability, and improving market access for farmers.

Moreover, the discussions will include the involvement of states in three newly established national cooperative institutions: National Cooperative Exports Limited, National Cooperative Organics Limited, and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited. These institutions are designed to facilitate exports, encourage organic farming, and streamline the supply of quality seeds.

Further topics on the agenda will cover amendments to state cooperative laws in alignment with the 97th Constitutional Amendment, measures to enhance the financial viability of cooperative sugar mills, and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability and growth in the dairy sector with the National Dairy Development Board.

Other matters to be discussed include the promotion of pulses and maize production, addressing challenges faced by cooperative banks, strengthening shared services and umbrella structures, expanding membership and awareness initiatives, and enhancing media outreach.

Additionally, the meeting will review the computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and Registrars of Cooperative Societies, the utilization of the National Cooperative Database, human resource development, and the implementation of schemes by the National Cooperative Development Corporation. These efforts aim to improve coordination between the Centre and the states.