THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

Odisha is set to usher in a new chapter in its cooperative movement, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maajhi set to launch the state’s mega cooperative membership campaign ‘Sambandha’ on September 25. The ambitious initiative aims to deepen the reach of the cooperative sector in rural Odisha by enrolling at least one member from every rural household.

Alongside the launch of ‘Sambandha’, a dedicated mobile application will be introduced to facilitate seamless, transparent and convenient digital membership registration. The initiative is expected to bring more rural families into the cooperative fold and strengthen their participation in grassroots economic activities. 

In a significant move to support farmers and revive the cooperative sugar industry, the State Government will also launch the State Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Sugarcane Production’. The scheme will focus on increasing sugarcane cultivation in the catchment areas of cooperative sugar industries while providing greater support to farmers. As part of the initiative, priority will be given to the revival and operationalisation of the Badamba Cooperative Sugar Mill and the strengthening of the Asika Cooperative Sugar Mill.

Adding another milestone to Odisha’s cooperative history, farmer-members of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) will receive dividends for the first time. The move is aimed at enhancing the economic benefits of cooperative membership while encouraging greater participation of farmers in the cooperative system.

The programme will also witness the virtual inauguration of new milk collection centres in PACS, giving a fresh push to the dairy sector and strengthening the rural economy. New Krushi Seva Kendras, consumer centres and Jan Seva Kendras will also be inaugurated as part of the Government’s efforts to expand essential agricultural and community services at the grassroots level.

Technology-driven reforms will form another key component of the initiative. To enhance transparency, accountability and operational efficiency, PACS are being integrated with the National Level PACS Computerisation Software (NLPS). The process will be formally kick-started during Friday’s programme, marking another step towards the digital transformation of Odisha’s cooperative institutions.

Further strengthening the State’s agricultural infrastructure, foundation stones will be laid for Model Mandis as well as Odisha’s initiatives under the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan’. The projects are expected to add capacity to the agricultural supply chain and improve infrastructure supporting farmers and rural markets.

The programme will also recognise the expansion of the cooperative workforce, with the Chief Minister scheduled to distribute appointment letters to newly selected Cooperative Inspectors and candidates for the Odisha State Warehousing Corporation (OSWC).