Patna, February 23 (ABN) There are immense employment opportunities in the cooperative sector. A large number of employments will come through cooperatives. Soon, several teams from Bihar will be sent to Gujarat, where it will be seen how much better work has been done in the field of cooperatives. The successful work of cooperatives in Gujarat will be implemented in Bihar as well, so that maximum people can get employment. This also includes exploring possibilities related to cooperative-based farming. How employment opportunities are being provided through cooperative-based farming.

Cooperative Department Minister Dr. Premod Kumar provided this information at a press conference of the Cooperative Department held at the 'Communication Room' of the Department of Information and Public Relations on Monday. He informed the media about the various achievements of the department.

The Minister said that there are immense possibilities of cooperative-based farming in Bihar. Earlier, there were large areas for agriculture here, now there are small lands for farming. In view of this, the possibilities of cooperative-based farming have increased. There is a major center for making tilkut in Gaya. But sesame comes from other states including Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. In such a situation, the possibilities of sesame production can be explored with the help of cooperative-based farming. He said that we are also working in the storage sector. Three cooperative societies have been formed at the national level, in which a large number of members are from Bihar. We are also exploring the possibilities of cooperative-level farming in Bihar.

In this press conference, Cooperative Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh said that today, about 28,000 cooperative societies are working in Bihar. This number is going to increase significantly in the near future. A cooperative society is being formed in every village by Kamfed. 144 primary committees are working at the block level to promote honey production. Mukhana Producer Cooperative Societies are also being formed. The Cooperative Department is working to create employment in the rural economy. Pacs are being promoted as multi-service centers. 4,477 pacs have been computerized. The presidents of cooperative societies are being sent to renowned institutions outside the state for a week's training.

The Minister said that in the Kharif marketing season 2025-26, so far 4.28 lakh metric tons of paddy have been purchased from 6,879 committees of 4.28 lakh farmers. The target for paddy procurement in this season is 36.85 lakh metric tons. 79.30 percent of the total target has been achieved. A minimum support price of Rs 6,400 crore has been paid to the farmers in their accounts.