Cooperatives as Pillar of Economy to Improve  Agriculture Production and Marketing

Rudra Bhattarai; Manashi Pandit

doi:10.59552/nppr.v3i1.61

Authors

Rudra Bhattarai Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Limited
Manashi Pandit Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Limited

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59552/nppr.v3i1.61

Keywords:

Cooperatives, agriculture production, marketing, cooperative movement, government support, policy intervention, capacity-building, commercialization, agro-products, credit, sustainable development

Abstract

This paper focuses on the important role played by cooperatives in agriculture production and marketing in Nepal. The paper evaluates the role of cooperatives, their contribution to agriculture, current policies that have paved the way for development within the agriculture and cooperative sectors and recommendations for improving agriculture production and marketing. The methodology employed includes a review of existing literature on agriculture and cooperative policies, as well as discussions with key informants in the cooperative movement. The study highlights the need for support from government and non-government agencies to improve the service of agricultural cooperatives in various ways, particularly through policy intervention. The paper provides policy recommendations for the future, including the need for improved coordination between government agencies and cooperatives, capacity-building programs, commercialization of agro-products, ways of increasing agro-productivity and capacity-building for cooperative leaders, and better access to credit and markets. Overall, the study underscores the importance of cooperatives in the sustainable development of the agriculture sector in Nepal.

Author Biographies

Rudra Bhattarai, Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Limited

Mr. Rudra Bhattarai is an agriculture cooperative expert with a wide experience of more than 40 years in the development of the cooperatives sector of Nepal as a whole. Currently working as the General Manager of Nepal Agriculture Cooperative Central Federation Limited (NACCFL). Mr Bhattarai has a Masters in Sociology and possesses an effective and profound capacity for the institutional development of the cooperatives.

Manashi Pandit, Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Limited

Ms. Manashi Pandit is currently working as a Business Development Head at Alliance Sports Services Pvt. Ltd. an emerging Nepali startup providing software solutions to sports and recreational centre in and around Katmandu Valley. Ms Padit has worked in an agriculture cooperative, an INGO and a media house. She has invloved in the development of ‘Kisan Ko Poko’ (Farmer’s market), for Nepal Agricultural Cooperative Central Federation Limited (NACCFL). As a research officer/ associate, she has been involved in research work focused on agriculture value chain, micro-finance, agriculture enterprise, gender equality and more. Ms. Pandit holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with major in Finance from The British College Kathmandu.

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