Recent Developments

India’s cooperative movement is not merely an economic arrangement; it is a democratic institution rooted in people’s participation, mutual trust, and collective ownership. From village credit societies to large dairy and marketing federations, cooperatives embody a unique synthesis of economic activity and democratic governance. At the heart of this model lies the democratic ethos—member control, transparency, accountability, and autonomy. Protecting this ethos is not optional; it is a constitutional, moral, and developmental responsibility.

Cooperatives have historically played a transformative role in India’s economic and social development, particularly in agriculture, dairy, credit, housing, fisheries and rural industries. In the era of rapid technological change and expanding expectations of transparency, speed and accountability, the question before policymakers and cooperative leaders is no longer whether digitalisation is useful, but whether cooperatives can survive and grow without it. The answer is clear: digital empowerment is now indispensable.

It is a common knowledge that communication means exchange of ideas, views, information and facts etc between two or among more persons with an aim to develop understanding. The dilemma lies in deciding the best means of communication which can be effective in a given situation. There are many factors which help in selecting the mode and means of communication, the most important factor which governs the methodology is the kind of audience.

Traditionally, farmers have often viewed their neighbors and peers as competitors. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that collective farming can offer solutions to many agricultural challenges. In the Indian agricultural sector, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) have been deeply established, especially in the credit supply area. Fundamentally, this cooperative model is a form of collective farming, as farmers unite to establish these institutions and operate them democratically.