Role of cooperatives in food security

4.12 Role of cooperatives in food security

Description

Quick Overview

Cooperatives play a vital role in enhancing food security in India by providing essential goods at lower prices, particularly in the southern and western regions.

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In India, cooperatives are instrumental in ensuring food security by operating fair price shops and providing affordable essentials. Notable examples include the dominance of cooperatives in Tamil Nadu's fair price shops and the successful dairy cooperatives like Amul, which have significantly contributed to milk production. Initiatives like grain banks facilitated by NGOs further reinforce food access in vulnerable regions.

Detailed

Role of Cooperatives in Food Security

Cooperatives have emerged as crucial entities in the landscape of food security in India, especially in the southern and western regions. They operate numerous fair price shops that provide essential goods to economically disadvantaged populations at lower prices. In Tamil Nadu, a notable 94% of the fair price shops are run by cooperatives, demonstrating their integral role in local economies.

Key Examples of Successful Cooperatives:

  1. Mother Dairy (Delhi): This cooperative has made significant contributions by supplying milk and vegetables to consumers at government-controlled prices, enhancing food accessibility.
  2. Amul (Gujarat): Recognized as a transformative cooperative, Amul spearheaded the White Revolution, significantly increasing milk production and availability across India.
  3. Academy of Development Science (ADS) (Maharashtra): This organization has created a network of NGOs to establish grain banks, providing vital food stocks in regions vulnerable to food insecurity. They also offer training programs to NGOs on food security.

Importance of Cooperatives:

The initiatives undertaken by cooperatives not only address immediate food security needs but also empower local communities by creating sustainable food systems. Their efforts often influence government policy and ensure that food is accessible to all sections of society.

Key Concepts

  • Cooperatives in Food Security: These organizations play a crucial role in ensuring the availability and affordability of food.

  • Fair Price Shops: Essential outlets that distribute goods at lower prices to the poor.

  • Grain Banks: Storage facilities created to ensure food availability in vulnerable regions.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In times of need, cooperatives lead, with food so cheap, they plant the seed.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a village where Amul's cows moo, providing fresh milk, for me and you!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • CAFÉ: Cooperatives Aid Food Equity. This helps remember the role cooperatives play in food security.

🎯 Super Acronyms

CROSS

  • Co-operatives
  • Reduced Prices
  • Open Shops for food security.

Examples

  • Example 1: In Tamil Nadu, cooperatives run 94% of fair price shops, thereby enhancing food security for local communities.

  • Example 2: The Amul cooperative revolutionized milk production in India, making dairy products accessible to millions.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Food Security

    Definition:

    The state in which all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

  • Term: Cooperative

    Definition:

    An organization owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit.

  • Term: Fair Price Shop

    Definition:

    Government-regulated shops providing essential goods at subsidized prices, primarily aimed at helping low-income families.

  • Term: Grain Bank

    Definition:

    A community-based facility where food grains are stored for emergency use by local populations.

  • Term: White Revolution

    Definition:

    A significant increase in milk production in India, primarily associated with the cooperative movement led by Amul.