ROLE OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVES IN IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS OF MARGINAL AND SMALL FARMERS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2024-07-24
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UHF Nauni
Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate the role of agriculture cooperatives in improving the
livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in Himachal Pradesh. The study employed multi-stage
sampling technique to select 318 member respondents who were the decision-makers in agriculture
cooperatives. The data collection was done using a well-designed pre-tested schedule through a survey
method. The livelihood of the member respondents was determined using the livelihood assessment
index, the role of cooperatives in improving the livelihood was determined by multiple linear
regression and the factors influencing the performance of the agriculture cooperatives were identified
using principal component analysis. The findings of the study revealed a moderate initial livelihood
index of 0.30, which increased to 0.58 after cooperative engagement, with primary agricultural
cooperatives showing the highest livelihood index (0.61), followed by marketing (0.54), milk (0.50),
and weaver cooperatives (0.50). These findings underscore the positive influence of cooperative
membership on livelihoods, highlighting the significance of cooperative involvement in bolstering
livelihood outcomes. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant predictors
influencing the dependent variable as education, income status, membership duration, cooperative
savings, and various cooperative activities were positively associated. The overall model was highly
significant (p < 0.001) with an R-squared of 62.2 per cent, indicating substantial explanatory power.
The factor analysis results revealed that the performance of agricultural cooperative societies is
significantly influenced by certain key factors especially; high levels of member engagement,
transparency within the cooperative's operations, and the frequency of meetings held annually are
strongly correlated with the primary which implies that these aspects play pivotal roles in determining
the success of agricultural cooperatives. The study highlights the significance of voluntary
participation and democratic decision-making in cooperatives, emphasizing inclusivity and member
empowerment. However, it also stresses the necessity of enhancing education and training efforts to
bridge knowledge gaps, thereby improving cooperative performance and ensuring the well-being of
members and society at large. The findings of the study suggested that the importance of prioritizing
social welfare programs, promoting community development projects, and strengthening regulatory
frameworks are important for sustaining cooperatives' long-term success and active member
engagement in policy development processes is crucial for ensuring viability and positive societal
impact.