Although the history of evolution of cooperatives in India can be traced back to the pre-Independence days, it was post 1947 that there was a huge growth in the number of cooperative societies serving in the agriculture sector. Right from the stage of arranging money for purchasing seeds till selling their produce in the market, cooperative bodies have been playing an all-crucial role in the lives of small farmers. With the help of cooperative credit societies, they have also been able to free themselves from the clutches of coercive, traditional moneylenders.
Starting apparently with the idea of using one’s own pooled money for own good, the cooperative culture has come a long way, indeed. Be it agriculture farming, dairy, poultry, sugar or banking sector, cooperative bodies seem all pervasive.
But, having said so, there is no denying the truth that not all the states have been able to provide the ground fertile enough for the growth of cooperative bodies. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab, among some others, have nurtured the culture over the years through suitable policies and the right kind of leadership.
Of these, Gujarat acquires a prominent place, as it has made some rare achievements. The rare success achieved by the milk products giant Amul (Anand Milk Producers Union Ltd) proves the power of cooperatives. The State has also achieved significant success in the field of urban cooperative banking with nearly 226 of them in operation and many of them having deposits in excess of `70-80 crore.
Recognising the strides made by the State of Gujarat in the field of cooperatives, Elets Technomedia, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of Gujarat, is organising “Elets Gujarat Cooperatives Summit 2015” on 22nd June in Gandhinagar. The event will have participation by the top officials of the Centre and state governments, industry and other stakeholders in the cooperative space. It will also bring together key representatives from across the cooperatives of Agriculture, Dairy and Banks.
Apart from highlighting the achievements of the State, the Summit will also serve as a unique platform to interact and ponder over the concerns and challenges facing the sector, so as to come up with pragmatic, lasting solutions to the ticklish issues in Gujarat as also elsewhere. It will also focus on the development of cooperatives and the role of ICT therein.
Hope you join the forum for a mutually enlightening experience. Happy reading!
