Bihar to establish agricultural equipment banks in PACS

The government plans to set up agricultural equipment banks in 8,463 Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) units. This announcement was made by Cooperatives Minister Prem Kumar in the state assembly. The initiative will begin in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with the first phase rolling out in 1,000 PACS. It is part of the Mukhyamantri Harit Krishi Sanyatra Yojana (MHKSY). This plan also includes support for Primary Vegetable Cooperative Committees (PVCCs). Minister Kumar mentioned that specific funds have been allocated for both parts of the MHKSY. He shared these details while discussing the cooperatives department's budget request of Rs 1,231 crore for 2025-26. The budget was approved after a voice vote, but opposition members left the session during the minister's response. Kumar confirmed that Rs 439 crore has been set aside for the agricultural equipment banks in PACS. Each society will receive Rs 15 lakh for this purpose. Additionally, Rs 434 crore is allocated under MHKSY for equipment banks in 2,976 PACS supporting PVCCs. A total of 16,910 pieces of equipment will be purchased through the GeM portal, with orders already placed for 16,485 items.