Rs 1,744 Cr Cooperative Sector Budget: Channi-led panel pushes Kisan Credit card access, stronger village societies
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, March 18, 2026: The Parliamentary Standing Committee chaired by Charanjit Singh Channi has placed expansion of Kisan Credit access and strengthening of village-level cooperative societies at the centre of its recommendations, while reviewing a ₹1,744.74 crore budget allocation for the cooperative sector for 2026–27.
Presenting its latest reports in Parliament, the panel stressed that ensuring easy and timely loans through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and building strong grassroots cooperative systems are crucial for improving rural incomes and financial security.
The Committee recommended extending Kisan Credit Card coverage to all eligible fishermen, noting that many still struggle to access affordable credit. It also called for faster registration of fishermen so they can benefit from institutional loans and insurance schemes.
On the cooperative front, the panel highlighted that the sector has received a higher allocation of ₹1,744.74 crore for 2026–27, up from ₹1,186.29 crore in 2025–26, and emphasised that this increase must be used efficiently to benefit people at the village level.
To strengthen rural cooperatives, the Committee pushed for:
- Expansion of village-level cooperative societies to ensure last-mile access to credit and services
- A transparent and independent system for conducting cooperative elections
- Better training, digital systems, and capacity building for cooperative institutions
The report also pointed to the growing role of cooperative organisations in boosting farmers’ income. It noted that National Cooperative Organic Limited has onboarded over 11,000 cooperatives, while National Cooperative Exports Limited has connected nearly 13,900 cooperatives, exporting about 40 agricultural products to 29 countries.
Additionally, the panel recommended strengthening dairy and allied cooperatives, improving procurement systems, and investing in cold storage and supply chains so farmers can get better prices for their produce.
The Committee said that expanding cooperative networks across villages and improving access to affordable credit will be key to achieving the government’s vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” and ensuring inclusive rural growth.