Critical Study of Agricultural Cooperatives and Informal Farmers Cooperative Movement in India

Abstract

I n Asia-Pacific region, agriculture is the mainstay of national economies. Cooperatix es have been recognized as important institutional s> stem for enhancing producti\ it> of agriculture and promoting food security in the country . In some of the countries, co-operatives have completed a centurv of their fruitful contribution to agricultural de\ elopnient, particularh' in the areas of input distribution, finance, marketing, processing, development of infrastructure development etc. The Government has adopted these cooperatives as its principal agency to implement the programme 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. Effects of globalization and entry of multinationals in the agribusiness combined with lack of professionalism and member participation have further compounded the problems of agricultural cooperatives.