Comparative analysis of soybean processing and employment generation by private and cooperative units - A study of Kota district of Rajasthan

The present study was undertaken to compare the season-wise purchases, processing and employment generation by private and cooperative soybean processing units in Kota district in Rajasthan. The study revealed that the demand for soybean by both private and cooperative plants was distributed across the seasons i.e., peak (Oct.-Jan.), mid (Feb.-May) and lean (June-Sept.); however, both the plants purchases maximum quantity during peak season due to low price. The total purchases by both private and cooperative processing plants increased during the study period (2004–05 to 2008–09) indicating growing demand for processing. Farmers could get price advantage if they could store and sell during lean season. However, average purchases of soybean by private unit were higher in all the three seasons compared to cooperative. Both the private as well as cooperative plants purchased maximum quantity of soybean in peak season because of low price. The quantity of purchased soybean and processing and sale of soya products by both plants decreased from peak to lean season and therefore, the employment generated by them also decreased from peak to lean season. However, the total quantity of purchased soybean and processing and sale of soya products were more in private unit compared to cooperative unit and therefore, the total employment generated by private unit was comparatively higher than the cooperative unit. Irregular supply of electricity, inadequate labour availability, low demand for soya products and inadequate supply of raw material were the major constraints for both private and cooperative plants. The study revealed the need for more investments in both private and cooperative processing sector to augment purchasing and processing capacities and generate more employment.