Discuss the development of Co-operatives under 10th Five Year Plan.

During the 10th Five Year Plan in India (2002-2007), the development of cooperatives was emphasized as a crucial strategy for promoting inclusive growth, rural development, and empowerment of marginalized communities. The plan focused on various sectors such as agriculture, dairy, credit, and marketing to strengthen the cooperative movement across the country. Here's a discussion of the key initiatives and developments in cooperatives during this period:

1. Agricultural Cooperatives: The 10th Five Year Plan aimed to enhance the role of agricultural cooperatives in increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers. Efforts were made to provide support for the formation of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperative societies at the grassroots level. These cooperatives facilitated collective action among farmers, enabling them to access inputs, technology, credit, and markets more effectively.

2. Dairy Cooperatives: The plan recognized the significant contribution of dairy cooperatives, particularly the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and its flagship cooperative, the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) known for its brand Amul. Efforts were made to replicate the success of Amul's cooperative model in other states, promoting the formation of dairy cooperatives and strengthening milk procurement, processing, and marketing infrastructure.

3. Credit Cooperatives: Recognizing the importance of access to credit for rural development, the plan emphasized the role of cooperative credit institutions, including cooperative banks and credit societies. Efforts were made to improve the financial viability and governance of these institutions, enhance their outreach to rural areas, and ensure equitable access to credit for small and marginal farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

4. Marketing Cooperatives: The plan focused on strengthening agricultural marketing cooperatives to enable farmers to fetch remunerative prices for their produce and reduce post-harvest losses. Initiatives were undertaken to modernize agricultural markets, promote value addition and agro-processing, and facilitate direct marketing linkages between producers and consumers through cooperatives.

5. Capacity Building and Training: Capacity building and training programs were conducted to empower members of cooperatives with the necessary knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities. Training modules covered areas such as cooperative management, governance, financial management, marketing, and technology adoption, aiming to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of cooperative enterprises.

6. Policy Support and Institutional Reforms: The plan recognized the need for supportive policy frameworks and institutional reforms to create an enabling environment for the growth of cooperatives. Measures were taken to streamline regulatory processes, promote cooperative-friendly legislation, and strengthen cooperative apex bodies at the national and state levels.

Overall, the 10th Five Year Plan marked a significant period of growth and consolidation for cooperatives in India, with a focus on empowering rural communities, promoting grassroots democracy, and fostering sustainable socio-economic development through cooperative enterprises.