ANNOUNCEMENTS
Begun in 2018 as an agricultural cooperative society based on principles of sustainable agriculture. DIMCHA cooperative society is a novel venture in Kamrup District of Assam which aims to employ women cultivators and sell organic mushrooms. The model adopted by DIMCHA has the potential to be replicated and used by farmers, cultivators and producers engaging in other sustainable agricultural activities like ericulture, apiculture, weaving etc. For the purpose of replicating and using this model, it first needs to be critically analysed and understood. As such, this study aims to understand the progress made in sustainable agriculture through cooperative farming in Dimoria Block of Kamrup District by using cost-benefit analysis to understand the productive capacity and revenue generated by the cooperative society, Agricultural Sustainability Index (ASI) to measure the extent of sustainability of production and SWOT analysis and value chain mapping to identify capabilities and limitations of the cooperative society as well as formulate measures to remedy the prevailing issues in DIMCHA. The findings of the study indicate the cooperative society is operating at moderate sustainability primarily due to sub-optimal production and poor market strategies. Members are struggling to produce at an optimal level due to inadequate transport and logistical infrastructure, limitations in spawn and management practices of the production units. However, some active members have successfully benefited from sustainable agricultural practices and opportunities provided by the cooperative society leading to economic growth and proliferation of practices like organic farming. This denotes the viability of the model and highlights the gaps in capabilities of other members. From a developmental perspective, this study draws attention to the importance of sustainable livelihood in the context of Assam.
Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, Cooperative society, women empowerment, Agriculture Sustainability Index (ASI).
