In a significant win for Andhra Pradesh, the Andhra Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (APCOB) secured the Second Prize for Overall Performance at the prestigious National Cooperative Conference in Shimla. This award, presented to APCOB Chairman Sri Ganni Veeranjaneyulu on September 14, 2025, is more than just a trophy—it’s a powerful testament to a decade of remarkable resilience, innovation, and growth.

This story of transformation began in 2015, following the bifurcation of the state. APCOB was left with just two branches, a depleted workforce, and a business volume of only ₹7,967 crore, while the majority of its resources and branches went to the new state of Telangana. The bank had to rebuild itself from the ground up, with a young and inexperienced team taking on the immense challenge.

A Decade of Unprecedented Growth

The turnaround was nothing short of extraordinary. From its low point in 2015, APCOB's business volume more than doubled to ₹15,596 crore by 2020. This momentum continued, with the volume trebling to over ₹46,430 crore by March 2025—a phenomenal six-fold growth in just ten years.

This surge wasn't limited to a single metric. Deposits grew from ₹2,337 crore to ₹11,002 crore, while loans and advances increased from ₹5,630 crore to ₹35,428 crore. The bank successfully diversified its portfolio, venturing into housing, vehicle, education, gold, and other loans, ensuring that cooperative credit became a comprehensive financial solution for rural communities.

The Digital Backbone of Success

A key driver of this resurgence has been technology. APCOB pioneered the PACS Computerisation Project, becoming the first State Cooperative Bank in India to act as a system integrator for this initiative. By bringing 99.7% of its Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into the digital fold, the bank equipped each society with modern hardware, digital passbooks, and point-of-sale devices.

This digital foundation created a new command-and-control system, providing real-time data on everything from loans and non-performing assets (NPAs) to member details and infrastructure. This has not only enhanced transparency and governance but also established Andhra Pradesh as a national leader in cooperative digitalization.

Reaching the Grassroots and Professionalizing the Sector

While embracing technology, APCOB never lost sight of its grassroots mission. Through the PACS Development Cells, it has guided PACS to diversify into new ventures, including fair price shops, fertilizer outlets, and petrol bunks. The bank also initiated the construction of 1,005 multipurpose godowns, with 745 already completed, helping integrate PACS more firmly into the agricultural value chain.

Equally important has been the professionalization of the workforce. The implementation of a first-of-its-kind PACS HR Policy has standardized recruitment and provided a structured career path for more than 5,500 employees. This has instilled a new culture of accountability and professionalism, restoring confidence in the cooperative sector as a viable career option.

A National Thought Leader

Beyond the state, APCOB has emerged as a national thought leader. It was the first State Cooperative Bank to publish "Vision Amritkaal," a long-term strategy aligned with India’s 2047 goals. The bank consistently advocates for regulatory reforms and technological support at national forums, ensuring that cooperatives remain strong players in rural finance.

The Shimla award is the latest in a series of recognitions for APCOB. In the past decade, it has earned more than six best-performing awards from NAFSCOB and NABARD, along with special honors for technology adoption and financial inclusion.

APCOB has set an ambitious goal of increasing the cooperative credit system's market share in Andhra Pradesh from 5% to 25% in the medium term. With its strong digital infrastructure, diversified strategies, and unwavering commitment to developmental banking, it is well-positioned to deepen its impact in rural communities and build on its legacy of success.