The State of Cooperatives in the Country
Cooperatives have been an important part of development for almost 75 years. So although they have experienced many problems and challenges, it is clear and evident that no other entity other than Cooperatives can unite farmers to have a single voice in conducting their economic activities and the welfare of society in general. Cooperatives also make it easier for the Government to adopt its development plans so that they can reach the citizens with ease and greater certainty.
In addition, after the Government gave the Parties the opportunity to compete with the private sector, many Parties were witnessed to enter into an economic impasse and some found themselves in huge debts including SHIRECU (1984) LTD. However, the Government after seeing this changed its direction and required the Major Parties to be the sole managers and service providers for the Primary Parties in order to expand the scope of farmers to receive appropriate services, currently the major party is doing the following:-
Fumigating warehouses whenever the season arrives.
To prepare balances and distribute them to the Primary Parties.
Providing book services.
Providing Book Writing Education services.
Encourage farmers to join grassroots cooperatives.
Transporting seeds of crops such as cotton, lentils and choroko using its own vehicles
Buying Lentils and chickpeas
In addition, by providing these services, the main party has been receiving taxes which have also been changing almost every year due to increases and decreases, making the party unable to operate and withstand the current situation.
The development of the Cooperative Sector depends heavily on a strong and productive commitment to the future development of the main party, the Primary Associations and the Farmer in general. The Government has already distinguished itself with its strong commitment to strengthening Cooperatives. Things done by the Government include returning Cooperative assets, eliminating theft and fraud against Farmers, strengthening and even changing various systems such as warehouse receipts. The goal is to strengthen Cooperatives and make them move forward.
