CHALLENGES AND ISSUES OF MILK CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KERALA STATE

Abstract

The aim of the current research was to investigate key issues and perspectives for cooperation of milk Co-operatives and their outcomes for improvement of milk collection, financial issues or problems, and infrastructural and technological conditions. The quantitative data was collected from the employees in the Co-operatives through questionnaires and hypotheses testing statistics such as correlation tests, Kruskal-Wallis test and mean ranks. It was observed that gender has a small positive relationship with a belief about how effectively milk is collected from the household final consumers meaning that gender should be taken into consideration within the Co-operatives. Lack of funds for infrastructure and restricted credit needs were acknowledged as severe problems for Co-operatives, whereas changes in the milk price were seen as less important. Views on infrastructure issues such as the cold chain and transport differed with geography suggesting a need for a regional approach. Thus, the research argues that gender dynamics must change, and resources for infrastructure should be secured along with regional approaches to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in milk Co-operatives. The consequential values of the research include practical significance to the stakeholders, policymakers, and cooperative leaders for developing appropriate strategies to improve the performance and satisfaction of the cooperative employees. It is therefore, the future research agenda should consider gender-inclusive policies for future organizations sustainable financial models to sustain such programs, the effects of digitalization in Organizations, sustainability practices, and psychosocial factors that lead to job satisfaction.