Accomplishments
Within its short period of existence, the FA has a number
of
remarkable accomplishments on its records. The most important,
at least the one most appreciated by members is perhaps its
effect an
price stabilization. Because of the very existence of an alternative
for
supply and marketing, at least for a number of products, middlemen
had to adjust their prices to the offers of the FA. This was
achieved
although the share in the total business turnover of the area
was very
limited, and is the most important factor for the positive
attitude of
farmers towards the FA.
This holds true for most FAs and the stabilization of prices
is perhaps the greatest success so far. It is remarkable that
this has been achieved already in spite of the small share
in the turnover.
Besides the effect on prices, the mere organization of market
for a number of products and inputs is an important accomplishment
in itself. To obtain fertilizers of the right kind, at the
right time, is no problem any more for the farmers, and the
same is true for chemicals. At least for some products, the
marketing has also been arranged and this means an important
improvement as compared with former times.
The fact that most FAs own one or more lorries is important
in this connection. The transportation business provided income,
gave access to markets and made independents from forwarding
agents.
The FA had a certain influence on farm operations by advertising
and supplying the right kind of fertilizers and chemicals
and informing the farmers an their proper use. Another way
of influencing is to sell seedlings of improved varieties
and advocate the diversification of tree crops along the lines
suggested by the Department of Agriculture. Some of these
projects, for instance the extension of passion fruit cultivation,
would not have been possible without the organization and
management of the FA.
A number of Area FAs in the rice area own several power tillers.
This improves the soil cultivation, reduces the number of
draught animals and controls the prices asked by private owners
of power tillers for hire to customers.
To a limited extent, the FA has assisted in meeting the credit
requirements of its members.
In practice, the aim of integrating services has been materialized
to quite an extent. Supply, credit and advisory work are linked
together; advertisement of new crops is related with arrangements
for marketing, etc.
Finally, the FA provided the local infrastructure to implement
government policy and to channel information. This important
service rendered to the government justifies perhaps the share
assumed by the government in the running expenses of the FA
as it pays the salaries of the staff members.
The accomplishments mentioned so far are important and the
more remarkable since the FA has been existing for about four
years only and since, during this short period, all the organizational
work involved in establishing such an institution had to be
undertaken. The FA has proceeded to quite an extent with its
aim to assist its members in technical and economic matters
which cannot be coped with by the individual so that farmers
are freed from these tasks and can concentrate an production.
By its activities, the FA accelerates the process of modernization
and commercialization of agriculture which will lead to a
better standard of living for the farming population.
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