Critical Study of Agricultural Cooperatives in Bangladesh - A Study Report

Abstract

In Asia-Pacific region, agriculture is the mainstay of national economies. Cooperatives have been recognized as important institutional system for enhancing productivity' of agriculture and promoting food security' in the country. In some of the countries, co-operatives have completed a century of their fruitful contribution to agricultural development, particularly in the areas of input distribution, finance, marketing, processing, development of infrastructure development etc. The Govenmient has adopted these cooperatives as its principal agency to implement the programmes of agricultural development. Although Government support resulted into noticeable growth and diversification of such cooperatives, it also adversely affected the democratic and autonomous character of cooperative enterprises and thereby blunting their competitive advantage. Eflfects of globalization and entry of multi nationals in the agribusiness combined with lack of professionalism and member participation have further compounded the problems of agricultural cooperatives. International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in Asia-Pacific Region has been focusing on development of agricultural cooperatives through its Regional Office. It has adopted development of agricultural cooperatives as one of its Key Resuh Areas; in pursuance of which it has been implementing a number of projects for strengthening agricultural cooperatives in Asia-Pacific. One of such projects recently implemented by ICA Regional Office for Asia-Pacific (ICA ROAP) with the support o f AGRITERRA o f Netherlands targeted development of agricultural cooperatives in six countries of the region, namely: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The important outputs of the project were completion of critical studies of agricultural cooperatives in these counties and formulation of country specific action plans for development of agricultural cooperatives. These studies were conducted through countn consuhants with the support of Mr B.D. Sharnia. Sr. Consultant. ICA Domus Trust. I hope, the study will provide good insight into the problems of agricultural co-operati\ves and guide points for strengthening them in the changing times.