This paper has looked into the role of farmers’ cooperatives in development of rural areas of the country. It has also discussed some successful cooperatives in agriculture and related areas. The success stories outlined include Gambhira Collective Farming Society in crops, AMUL in livestock, Lohardaga Grameen Poultry Cooperative Society Ltd in poultry and Warana Bazar in agricultural marketing. These institutions have catered to the needs of their members as well as helped in improving their living conditions. Gambhira Cooperative Farming Society has depicted the power of collective farming where farmers could earn higher amount from their crop produce which individual farmer would not get. Amul, a leading milk brand in the country, is another example of a successful cooperative. Amul dairy has been the key to uplifting the social and economic status of women who are often the ones involved with dairy production. Poultry revolution in Lohardaga provides its members with raw materials for poultry rearing and markets the produce collectively, ensuring a steady income to its members. Warana Bazaar, the first consumer co-operative store, has provided its 78 member villages with all the facilities through cooperative movement. The cooperatives have helped in generating better income and employment opportunities and have contributed to checking the migration from rural areas. The paper has concluded that farmers’ cooperatives have immense potential for rural development and if managed efficiently can lead to a big success.
Farmers’ cooperatives, rural employment, agricultural sector
