Abstract:
The cooperative movement in India, has been a successful attempt in the process of rural transformation, rural industrialisation and rural change. Cooperative Sugar factories especially in Western Maharashtra have brought above rural transformation with a diversified growth in agro processing, marketing and consumer stores. Success of the cooperative form of enterprise essentially depends upon 'enlightened local rural leadership whose aim is to bring about all round area development of the rural areas which come under their jurisdiction. The role played by dynamic local rural entrepreneurs in the establishment and diversified growth of the cooperative sector in Maharashtra is unique and it is this 'core cooperative leadership that acted as the agent of rural transformation with their visions for rural upliftment and change. Cooperative leadership did act as rural entrepreneurs, leaders - like Late Vikhe Patil, Late Prof. D. R. Gadgil, Late Shri Vasantdada Patil, Late Tatyasaheb Kore, Late Ratnappa Kumbhar, Shri S. R. Patil, Late Shri Mohite Patil and many others were highly motivated cooperative leaders whose efforts have established a vast network of cooperative. Enterprise in Western Maharashtra. 'Dynamic leadership qualities, commitment to the cause to bring about area development, mass rural appeal were main qualities that these leaders possessed that evinced the confidence of the rural masses, whose membership loyalty to these cooperative enterprise remained of a high degree. The fact also has to be emphasises that these cooperative enterprises did receives a lot of state patronage and financial assistance during their growth and diversification.
