AIZAWAL, FEB 15: Amit Sharma, Secretary to the Government, ICT & Cooperation, Mizoram, underscored the pivotal role of the Cooperation Department in strengthening allied sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries at the NABARD State Credit Seminar held here. The seminar, chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, saw the participation of cabinet ministers, administrative secretaries, senior bankers, SLBC coordinators, Lead District Managers (LDMs), and representatives from developmental agencies and NGOs.
During his address, Sharma emphasized the need for effective implementation of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, as designated by the United Nations. He announced that awareness and sensitization drives would be conducted across all districts of Mizoram under his leadership and in coordination with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) Office, as part of an annual calendar of events.
Highlighting the contribution of the cooperative sector in Mizoram, Sharma pointed out that cooperative membership in the state is significantly lower than in other regions—standing at just 4% compared to Kerala’s 77% and Karnataka’s 50%. He assured that efforts were underway to increase participation in the coming months. He also informed that under the PACS computerization scheme, 25 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Mizoram have been digitized in the first phase, all of which have achieved Go-Live status, a move appreciated by the Cooperation Ministry.
During the seminar, NABARD released the State Focus Paper for Mizoram 2025-26 in the presence of the Chief Minister and other distinguished guests. The Chief Minister acknowledged progressive initiatives across multiple sectors, including the role of the Apex Cooperative Bank of Mizoram.
Pankaja Borah, General Manager (OIC), NABARD, Mizoram Regional Office, highlighted the significance of the State Focus Paper in shaping the state’s development plan. She stressed the importance of credit and credit enablers in transforming Mizoram’s rural economy.
