Bihar Cooperative Minister Pramod Kumar announced on December 30, 2025, that two sugar mills will be run by the Cooperative department as part of the state government's Saat Nischay programme. This includes reviving old sugar mills and setting up new ones in Bihar. "We have received a proposal in this regard. As and when the cabinet clears it, we will let you know," Mr. Kumar told reporters. The two mills likely to be run by the Cooperative department are Sakri in Madhubani district and Raiyam in Darbhanga district. The department is preparing by forming cooperative committees and working on detailed project reports. Cooperative Secretary Dharmendra Singh said, "Only then will the department proceed to make Mill-wise plans." A high-level committee led by the Chief Secretary decided that the Cooperative department will operate these sugar mills. On paddy procurement, Mr. Kumar informed that Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (PACS) has procured 9.53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 1.32 lakh farmers across Bihar. Payments totaling Rs 1755 crore have been made as Minimum Support Price (MSP). The state aims to increase procurement from the current 36.85 lakh MT target to 45 lakh MT and has requested the Centre accordingly. To ease procurement, the minister asked District Magistrates to prepare lists of farmers willing to sell paddy to PACS and assign dates for sale. DMs can open more procurement centers if needed. An IVRS call centre for grievance redressal operates with toll-free number 1800 1800 110. It has received 584 complaints, mainly about paddy procurement delays. Mr. Kumar assured that payments are made within 48 hours of procurement. Looking ahead, the Cooperative department will launch a "membership-cum-awareness drive" at the panchayat level from January 2. The drive will promote PACS schemes and increase memberships. Bihar has 1.38 crore active PACS members, said the minister. PACS currently provides 25 different services and will be developed further as major service centers.