Progress and Functional Dimensions of Cooperative Marketing Societies in India

Since the performance of cooperative marketing in India is not very impressive and as they are yet to show their presence in several areas encompassing marketing of agricultural produce, a number of measures need to be initiated to truly exploit their potential for which they have been established. The suggested measures encompass strengthening of existing societies, diversification drive for their various activities, development of multi-purpose societies, restriction imposed on membership, minimum government interference, inculcation of cooperative ideology among members and staff associated with the societies, representation of small and marginal farmers, dependence on well educated and trained personnel, provision of some minimum facilities at the base level, etc. Of late, efforts are initiated by the Government of India to formulate a National Policy on Co-operatives. In view of autonomous characters and priority to human resource development and professionalism, the policy is likely to support values and principles of co-operation. Since co-operative system in India has the capacity as well as potential to offset negative externalities emanating in the process of globalization and liberalization, they will continue to play a dominant role not only in employment generation but also in poverty alleviation with profound influence on production enterprises.