Nayagarh – (Report - Ramakrushna Rath) November 20, 2025: A vibrant and energetic walkathon filled the streets of Nayagarh on Thursday morning, bringing together community leaders and cooperative members. The event championed the powerful role of local cooperatives in strengthening the agricultural sector and boosting farmer incomes. The Department of Cooperation in Nayagarh organised the walk to mark the beginning of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week. The event also celebrated the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. 
Nayagarh Walkathon Steps Up for Farmer Income and Cooperative Future


The walkathon began promptly at 8 AM from the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Trinath Square. A crowd of enthusiastic participants then made their way through the town, concluding their journey at the historic Lord Jagannath Temple in Oldtown Nayagarh. The atmosphere was one of purpose and community spirit, with the event drawing significant attention from local media and residents.
Over one hundred people took part in the symbolic walk. The group included the secretaries of various Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) from across the district. Staff members from the RMC Bahadajhula in Nayagarh also joined the event. The presence of these key individuals highlighted the collective commitment to the cooperative movement at the grassroots level. 
Nayagarh Walkathon Steps Up for Farmer Income and Cooperative Future


Senior officials from the district's cooperative sector actively participated and showed their support. The event saw the presence of the District Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS) for Nayagarh, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS), and the Additional Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (AAGCS). The Chief Executive Officer of the Nayagarh District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCCB) was also in attendance, underscoring the institutional backing for the initiative.
The core message of the walkathon was clear and direct. Organisers and participants aimed to promote the creation of multipurpose PACS throughout the region. These societies are much more than just sources of credit for farmers. The modern PACS model envisions these cooperatives as single-point service centers for the agricultural community. 
Nayagarh Walkathon Steps Up for Farmer Income and Cooperative Future


This means a single PACS could provide farmers with essential services like seeds and fertilizers. It could also offer assistance with marketing farm produce to get the best prices. Furthermore, these multipurpose societies might include facilities like cold storage to reduce food waste. They could even provide basic banking services and insurance products. This comprehensive approach seeks to make the local PACS the backbone of rural economic development. 
Nayagarh Walkathon Steps Up for Farmer Income and Cooperative Future


The ultimate goal of this transformation is the augmentation of farmer income. By streamlining access to resources and ensuring a fairer value for their crops, the multipurpose PACS directly address the economic challenges farmers face. The walkathon served as a public pledge to work towards this vital objective. It emphasized that the cooperative movement is a proven and sustainable path to rural prosperity. 
Nayagarh Walkathon Steps Up for Farmer Income and Cooperative Future


The successful event in Nayagarh sets a positive tone for the 72nd All India Cooperative Week. It demonstrates a proactive approach at the district level to not only celebrate the principles of cooperation but to actively implement modern solutions. The steps taken on the streets of Nayagarh symbolize a larger stride toward a future where farmers are empowered, and local cooperatives are the engines of their success.