Study on Commercialization of Agriculture Through Cooperatives: Present Status and Future Prospect

Project Description

The objective of this study was to assess the status and prospectus of agriculture commercialization through cooperatives. The study reviewed the present status of commercialization of agriculture and cooperatives, identified potential areas and future prospect of agriculture business and agro-processing through agricultural co-operatives, suggested the ways for the improvement in production efficiency of small farms.

Assignment Description

The study focused on identifying and suggesting the different aspects on commercialization of agriculture through the cooperatives. The study reviewed policy issues on cooperatives, national policy and status on commercialization of agriculture, problems and issues on cooperative development and commercialization of agriculture. It also reviewed the ways to improve production efficiency of small farms and ways to connect markets to sell their produce. The field work was carried out in 8 districts covering both Hill and Terai Region of Nepal. From each selected districts 4 cooperatives (Livestock-2 and agriculture-2 from each district i.e. in total 32 agriculture and livestock cooperatives) were taken as a sample for the study. Primary and secondary information/data were collected using participatory tools and practices. Primary information was collected adopting PRA/RRA/RMA tools. For the collection of information from grassroots level a household survey was conducted. Besides the HH survey Interaction Meeting, Focus Group Discussion, Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA), Stakeholders Analysis, Institutional Assessment including SWOT Analysis and field observations etc. were held to collect the required information. A comprehensive report was produced on the current status of commercialization and cooperative and suggested future strategy.