CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Bhopal, April 30, 2026: Newly appointed Administrator of Apex Bank, Mahendra Singh Yadav, today interacted with the Chief Executive Officers of 38 District Cooperative Central Banks of Madhya Pradesh at the auditorium of Subhash Yadav Coordination Building of Apex Bank. He discussed in detail how to strengthen district banks and primary cooperative societies to reinforce the cooperative movement in the state.
He stated that farmers are the backbone of the nation, and all CEOs must ensure that farmers receive respect at cooperative societies, timely loans, and adequate fertilizer supply. He emphasized maintaining proper fertilizer storage in advance so that farmers do not face shortages. He noted that 16 banks currently fall under the weak category, especially in Gwalior, Rewa, and Sagar divisions, and urged CEOs from these regions to put in extra effort. He stressed that unless PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) are strengthened, the cooperative movement cannot become robust.
He further added that Madhya Pradesh holds the first position in the country in PACS computerization, which is a matter of pride. Referring to the membership drive launched on April 14 to enroll 1 million new farmers, he directed CEOs to maintain continuous contact with society managers and motivate them to achieve the target. Apex Bank will also regularly review the progress. Currently, crop loans worth ₹25,000 crore have been distributed to 3.5 million farmers for Kharif and Rabi seasons combined, and the target is to increase this to ₹27,000 crore through the membership campaign.
Yadav pointed out that there are only 3,000 savings counters in PACS, while around 4,500 primary societies are operational. He directed CEOs to ensure the opening of savings accounts at PACS so that farmers can deposit money locally, strengthening these societies.
He also mentioned that the recovery season will continue until June 30, and with two months remaining, efforts should be intensified. So far, about 90% recovery has been achieved for the ₹19,000 crore Kharif loan distribution, which is commendable. He instructed that at least 7% of the total ₹25,000 crore loan (Kharif and Rabi combined) should be recovered before June 30 so that farmers can benefit from 0% interest.
Regarding wheat procurement, he instructed that at procurement centers operated by societies, farmers should not face inconvenience, and proper storage and timely lifting of wheat must be ensured to prevent damage due to rains. He also directed CEOs to arrange adequate shade, seating, and drinking water at procurement centers, considering the extreme heat exceeding 45°C, so that farmers are not adversely affected.
He further emphasized opening bank accounts of dairy cooperative societies and their members in district cooperative bank branches. Out of 6,420 functional dairy societies in the state, only 85% have accounts in district banks, and among approximately 13,000 members, only 65% have accounts. He directed officials to ensure full compliance.
During the meeting, Managing Director of Apex Bank, Manoj Gupta, instructed all CEOs to ensure that society managers inspect at least five societies daily and that CEOs themselves regularly visit societies as part of their weekly tour programs. He welcomed Administrator Mahendra Singh Yadav and introduced all CEOs while presenting an overview of Apex Bank’s activities.
He also emphasized accelerating efforts to enroll 1 million new members under the campaign launched on April 14. So far, share capital contributions from 7,000 individuals have been received, and 400,000 new members have been enrolled.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Aruna Dubey, Arun Mishra, K.T. Sajjan, Arvind Dubey, Ashish Rajoria, Vivek Malik, Sameer Saxena, Karan Yadav, Ajay Devda, R.K. Gangele, Lata Krishnan, R.C. Patle, Abhay Pradhan, along with other officers and staff of the bank.
