International Year of Cooperatives: the PACS numbers
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What happened
- India has over 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives, 6.6 lakh functional, with 32 crore members [PIB].
- 79,630 PACS were approved for computerisation; 32,009 new multipurpose PACS, dairy and fisheries cooperatives were registered [PIB].
Background
- NCEL exported 13.77 LMT worth ₹5,556 crore to 28 countries [PIB].
Why it matters
- Cooperatives work where they are run well. Computerised PACS make audits possible.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-01-18): india has over 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives, 6.6 lakh functional, with 32 crore members.
- Cooperatives work where they are run well. Computerised PACS make audits possible.
Quotable data point79,630 PACS were approved for computerisation; 32,009 new multipurpose PACS, dairy and fisheries cooperatives were registered.
PIB: International Year of Cooperatives 2025, 18 Jan 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: PACS, NCEL.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
2025 was declared by the UN as the International Year of
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerSelf-Reliance in Pulses and Edible Oils: Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025-31), National Mission on Edible Oils (Oilseeds and Oil Palm), Import Dependence and the Way Forward (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerPM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Convergence of 36 Schemes in 100 Low-Productivity Districts, Selection Criteria, Monitoring and the Aspirational Districts Model (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: International Year of Cooperatives 2025, 18 Jan 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending