| Abstrakt: |
This study aims to analyze the financial growth and technical efficiency of selected dairy cooperatives in India from 2013-14 to 2021-22, utilizing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) methodologies. The Indian dairy sector has witnessed significant growth, with cooperatives playing a vital role in supporting small-scale farmers through collective ownership and equitable profit-sharing. The analysis highlights marked disparities in performance across different geographical zones, revealing that while some cooperative dairies, such as Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, and Sabar, have maintained high levels of technical efficiency (TE) over the years, while others, like Indore and Amritsar, face challenges in operational performance but have room for improvement. The results highlight the essential role of cooperative models in empowering small-scale farmers and improving rural livelihoods, especially in areas with robust cooperative infrastructures such as Gujarat and Karnataka. Similarly, the impressive CAGR of cooperatives in the northern and western regions, respectively, indicates effective operational strategies and investment in infrastructure. Nonetheless, challenges remain, particularly in the East, where cooperatives are underdeveloped and less efficient. Therefore, focused investments and supportive policies are vital to strengthening these cooperatives, helping them stay competitive and foster growth in the Indian dairy sector. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing cooperative structures and infrastructure, particularly in underperforming regions, to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global dairy market. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and cooperative managers aiming to optimize their operations and reinforce India's leadership in the global dairy market while ensuring sustainable growth and strengthening the socio-economic conditions of millions of rural dairy farmers in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
