Co-operative movement in Gujarat and its impact on Socio-economic aspects of life

Dairy co-operative movement in Gujarat

The dairy co-operative movement in Gujarat is a success story by itself. The cooperative movement in Gujarat started with a modest attempt to organize 20 villages in Kheda district of Gujarat to collectively produce and supply milk to Bombay. This model of co-operatives was later expanded to Kheda district to form Anand Milk Union, widely known as Amul, and then, under the National Dairy Development Board, to other districts of Gujarat in the 1970s and to 170 districts of India in 1980s. The village co-operatives are linked to the markets through district level cooperatives.

Dairy Industry in Gujarat state is well-established at present and is taken as a model for replicating in other states of the country. The dairy sector in the state assumes key importance as it is a business that helps generate the best alternative additional income and EMPLOYMENT for poor, rural farmers. Milch animal-holders feed and nourish dairy animals with crop residuals and agriculture by-products available with them.

Gujarat dairy co-operatives have a 3-tier structure termed as ANAND PATTERN Co-operatives. The milk is collected at village level co-operative societies and processed by district unions themselves. While district unions them-selves market the liquid milk, the Marketing of surplus milk and milk-products is undertaken by state level federation viz. Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, Anand (GCMMF). The dairy development on co-operative basis was obviously a great success in north and central regions of the state so much so that it caught peoples imagination whereas in Kachchh and the district in the Saurashtra region it lagged behind marginally.

The State Government established Gujarat Dairy Development Coopration (GDDC) in 1973 with a view to supporting dairy development programme for the districts which lagged behind. By the end of 1995-96, 18 out of 19 districts had been covered under the co-operative Milk Producers union. Out of 18 dairy Plants, 12 dairy plants are uner GCMMF and 6 dairy plants viz. Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Kachchh are under GDDC. There are 5 milk product factories also.

The Average capacity of these dairies is to process around 30 lakh liters of milk per dairy. Factories for milk products have been, producing products per day on an average 24 lakh liters of milk. There are 10 cattle feed factories under GCMMF/GDDC with production capacity of 1800 MT per day. There are 35 chilling cooling centres with a capacity to hold 14.82 lakh liters milk. The number of milk producers co-operative societies in the state at the end of March 1995 were 10,462 with 17.2^ lakh members on their rolls.

The co-operative dairy structure is very Sound is central, north and partially in the southern region of the state. The milk producers of these regions have no major problem for the marketing of milk even in flush seasons. Majority of milk producers of these region sell their milk through milk co-operative societies. Few producers sell milk either directly to consumers or to milk vendor/middlemen. The exploitation of milk producers by milk vendor/ middlemen is low due to the existence of Cooperative Societies in the village. Milk producers have easy access to all types of veterinary and Health care Services available in co-operative milk producers union and in nearby Government veterinary clinic.

The co-operative structure is very weak in Saurashtra and Kachchh regions ofthe state. A number of villages are yet to be covered by the milk co-operative societies. The bulk of the milk trade of this area is controlled by small private traders known as ‘Dudhias’ who purchase milk from producers and transport it to nearby towns and sell it. Milk producers here are at the mercy of ‘Dudhia’ or middleman who offer slightly better price in lean season and extremely low in flush (winter) season. Milk being a perishable commodity, most of the producers, particularly small producers, are compelled to sell milk at low prices to meet their cash requirements. Many milk producers have to travel to nearest towns to sell their milk and milk products. In the absence, of a fair marketing structure, many producers are compelled to convert milk into products, even if they found it non-profitable. Milch animal holders have no easy access to all types of veterinary and breeding services in the absence of co-operative dairy structure.

Co-operative sugar industries of Gujarat

A continuous progress has been observed in co-operative sugar factories in Gujarat. The cooperative sugar factories have enabled the country in becoming not only self-sufficient in sugar requirement but also contribute to the world market. Gujarat is considered to be one of the leading states in India in the co-operative sugar factories and South Gujarat is recognized as the most important centre of successful sugar co-operatives.

Local Leadership is one of the most important factors for establishing the co-operative sugar factory. The role played by the local leaders in initiating and encouraging the cane growers for starting their own co-operative sugar factories in their own areas like Madhi, Chalthan and Tribal area of Mahuwa was significant. The local participation assumed the cornerstone in the establishment and expansion of the sugar co-operatives in South Gujarat.

The first co-operative sugar factory established in Gujarat was the Bardoli Co-operative Sugar Factory in Surat District. This sugar factory has introduced many developmental features for social, educational and Cultural Development as part of its total contribution for the well being, both of its farmer members and of the Environment of which they are a part. The sugarcane growers get inspiration from the success experiment of Bardoli Co-operative Sugar Factory and the farmers in this area started to divert more and more land to sugarcane production. Sugarcane was available in plenty in the villages of Bardoli, Palsana, Choryasi, Kamrej, Olpad and Mahuwa talukas of the district. On account of all the facilities, the Chalthan Sugar Factory was started in the year 1967-68 and Madhi Sugar Factory 15 Km east of Bardoli also started in 1969-70. The Bardoli, Madhi and Chalthan, co-operative sugar factories have created a lot of interest and inspiration among the cane cultivators not only in Surat district but also in other districts of South Gujarat. After 1970, four more sugar factories were established in the Surat district at Sayan, Mahuwa, Ukai and Kamrej. Besides other sugar factories were also established in Bharuch and Narmada districts of South Gujarat.,

The co-operative movement in Gujarat is one of the oldest and most successful in India. It has a long history dating back to the early 19th century, and it has played a major role in the socio-Economic Development of the state.

The first co-operatives in Gujarat were formed by farmers who were struggling to make a living. They pooled their Resources together and formed co-operative societies to buy and sell agricultural produce. These co-operatives were very successful, and they soon spread to other parts of the state.

In the early 20th century, the co-operative movement in Gujarat began to focus on other areas, such as Education, health, and credit. Co-operative banks were formed to provide loans to farmers and small businesses. Co-operative schools and hospitals were also established.

The co-operative movement has had a major impact on the socio-economic aspects of life in Gujarat. It has helped to improve the lives of millions of people by providing them with access to education, healthcare, and credit. It has also helped to promote economic development by providing a platform for farmers and small businesses to sell their products and services.

However, the co-operative movement in Gujarat faces some challenges. One challenge is that many co-operatives are not well-managed. This can lead to Corruption and mismanagement. Another challenge is that co-operatives often face competition from private businesses. This can make it difficult for co-operatives to survive and thrive.

Despite these challenges, the co-operative movement in Gujarat has a bright future. The state government is committed to supporting the co-operative movement, and there is a growing awareness of the benefits of co-operation among the people of Gujarat. With continued support and innovation, the co-operative movement in Gujarat is poised to make an even greater impact on the socio-economic development of the state in the years to come.

Here are some specific examples of the impact of co-operatives on the socio-economic aspects of life in Gujarat:

Co-operatives have helped to improve the lives of millions of people by providing them with access to education, healthcare, and credit.
Co-operatives have helped to promote economic development by providing a platform for farmers and small businesses to sell their products and services.
Co-operatives have helped to reduce POVERTY and inequality by providing opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods.
Co-operatives have helped to promote social Justice by providing a voice for the marginalized and disadvantaged.
Co-operatives have helped to protect the environment by promoting sustainable practices.

The co-operative movement in Gujarat is a powerful force for good. It has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the state, and it will continue to do so in the years to come.

What is a co-operative?

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

What are the different types of co-operatives?

There are many different types of co-operatives, but they can be broadly divided into three categories: consumer co-operatives, worker co-operatives, and producer co-operatives.

Consumer co-operatives are owned and controlled by their members, who are the people who use their products or services. For example, a consumer co-operative grocery store is owned and controlled by its members, who are the people who shop there.

Worker co-operatives are owned and controlled by their workers. For example, a worker co-operative bakery is owned and controlled by its bakers.

Producer co-operatives are owned and controlled by their producers. For example, a producer co-operative farm is owned and controlled by its farmers.

What are the benefits of co-operatives?

Co-operatives offer a number of benefits to their members, including:

Economic benefits: Co-operatives can help their members save Money, earn more money, and have more control over their economic lives.
Social benefits: Co-operatives can help their members build relationships, develop skills, and have a greater sense of community.
Environmental benefits: Co-operatives can help their members reduce their environmental impact and live more sustainably.

What are the challenges of co-operatives?

Co-operatives face a number of challenges, including:

Competition from other businesses: Co-operatives often have to compete with businesses that are not owned and controlled by their members.
Lack of access to capital: Co-operatives can sometimes have difficulty getting loans from banks and other financial institutions.
Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of the benefits of co-operatives.

What is the future of co-operatives?

Despite the challenges they face, co-operatives are growing in popularity around the world. There are now over 1 billion co-operative members in over 100 countries. Co-operatives are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy, and they are well-positioned to continue to grow in the future.

What is the impact of co-operatives on socio-economic aspects of life?

Co-operatives have a positive impact on socio-economic aspects of life in a number of ways. They can help to reduce poverty, improve education and health, and promote Sustainable Development.

Co-operatives can help to reduce poverty by providing access to affordable goods and services, creating jobs, and promoting economic development. They can also help to improve education and health by providing scholarships and other educational opportunities, and by promoting healthy lifestyles. Co-operatives can also promote sustainable development by using resources efficiently, protecting the environment, and promoting social justice.

The co-operative movement in Gujarat is a significant part of the state’s economy and social fabric. It has played a major role in the development of the state, and has helped to improve the lives of millions of people.

The co-operative movement in Gujarat began in the early 20th century, with the establishment of the first co-operative bank in 1904. Since then, the movement has grown rapidly, and there are now over 100,000 co-operatives in the state.

Co-operatives in Gujarat are involved in a wide range of activities, including agriculture, Banking, credit, marketing, and education. They play a vital role in the state’s economy, and provide employment to millions of people.

The co-operative movement has also had a significant impact on the socio-economic aspects of life in Gujarat. It has helped to improve the lives of farmers, Women, and the poor. It has also helped to promote social harmony and economic development.

The co-operative movement in Gujarat is a success story. It is a model for other states in India, and for the world.

Here are some MCQs about the co-operative movement in Gujarat:

Which of the following is not a co-operative activity in Gujarat?
(a) Agriculture
(b) Banking
(c) Credit
(d) Education
Which of the following is not a benefit of the co-operative movement in Gujarat?
(a) Improved lives of farmers
(b) Improved lives of women
(c) Improved lives of the poor
(d) Increased social harmony
Which of the following is not a challenge facing the co-operative movement in Gujarat?
(a) Lack of government support
(b) Lack of awareness
(c) Lack of resources
(d) Lack of competition
Which of the following is the most important factor in the success of the co-operative movement in Gujarat?
(a) The leadership of the co-operatives
(b) The support of the government
(c) The participation of the people
(d) The availability of resources
Which of the following is the most likely impact of the co-operative movement in Gujarat in the future?
(a) It will continue to grow and prosper.
(b) It will decline in importance.
(c) It will remain unchanged.
(d) It will become a major force in the state’s economy.