CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF DAIRY CO-OPERATIVES IN INDIA, AS AN IDEAL ECONOMICMODEL: THE CASE OF DAIRY CO-OPERATIVE FROM WESTERN MAHARASHTRA

Cooperatives, as a form of business organisation, play a meaningfulrole in uplifting the socioeconomic conditions of their members and their localcommunities. In Indian context, cooperatives, have run as a member centric, democratic organisation, focusing on economic and social development and transformation. Challenges of the 21st century for all corporation include, turbulent financial markets, unstable economies and financial systems, rising levels of unemployment; no government protection, competitive markets, dumping of foreign goods, growing disparity, and environmental concerns. In this globalised economy, cooperatives have played a pivotal role in offering a financially viable and socially responsible business organisation. The paper documents the evolution and remarkable growth of the Indian dairyco-operative, over the last few decades. The White revolution, in India, was promoted by the Government of India, through Operation Flood, establishment of NDDB. The paper documents the success of dairy cooperatives in Western Maharashtra, India, which has played a key role in the social transformation.