Cooperation and Cooperatives

The word cooperation has been many meanings, but in general discourse it means working, living and thinking together. In our existing socio-economic context, however, we need to define it somewhat differently - " Cooperation is a form of organization wherein persons voluntarily associate with each other as human beings on the basis of equality for the promotion of mutual economic interests."

Definition:
According to the International cooperative alliance, "A cooperative is an association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural need."

Principles of Cooperation:

1. Voluntary and open membership
2. democratic member control
3. member's economic participation
4. Autonomy and Independent
5. Education, training and information
6. cooperation among cooperatives
7. Concern for Community

Types of Cooperatives:

• Marketing Cooperatives
• Processing Cooperatives
• Cooperative sugar mills
• Dairy Cooperatives
• Fertilizer Cooperatives
• Industrial Cooperatives