ABSTRACT
Discussions of dairy cooperatives in India tend to focus on the famous Amul dairy located in the town of Anand in Kheda district, Gujarat. This has created a misleading impression that the “Anand pattern” is the only viable model for dairy cooperatives in India. This chapter compares five types of dairy production and marketing units in Maharashtra: four cooperatives of varying types, and one private enterprise. Among the cooperatives, Katraj and Jalgaon dairies follow the Anand pattern. While the former is successful, because of proximity to the Pune city market and effective leadership, the latter is facing a financial crisis caused by weak leadership, shortsighted policies, and demoralized administration.
Warana cooperative dairy has demonstrated dynamic leadership and efficient management, achieving rapid growth without following the Anand pattern nor depending on government help. Yelgud dairy, a smaller-scale cooperative, shows what a combination of good leadership and efficient management can achieve without the use of high technology, just by selling fresh milk and traditional dairy products in nearby Kolhapur city.
Finally, Chitale dairy, a private enterprise, challenges the stereotyped image of private milk traders exploiting small producers. While making good profits, Chitale has done a great deal to benefit small producers in the surrounding area. Since it must compete with co-ops in the same area, Chitale may have offered these benefits to ensure itself a steady supply of milk. Thus competition with cooperatives can even benefit producers who are not members.
