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Dharani FaM Coop Society
Dharani Farming and Marketing Cooperative Ltd., is an organic extension of the Collective’s work with the dryland farmers in Anantapur Dist. The first project of the Collective to promote sustainable organic farming had resulted in the establishment of a producer owned co-operative with 350 farmer members. The 540 farmers, covered by the second project, have also now become shareholders of the Dharani FaM Co-op, increasing the total membership to 890. The primary intention of the Cooperative is to procure, process and market the produce of its farmer members, if possible at a premium price. It is hoped that more farmers will join in and be encouraged to grow food in a sustainable and organic manner.

One of the women cooperatives (Adisakthi MATS) promoted by the Collective had initially taken the responsibility (during the year 2005-06) of marketing the organic produces, but in due course, the potential for a new producer owned cooperative was found. In April 2008, after intensive discussions among the farmer members, the “Dharani Vyavasaya mariu Marketing Paraspara Sahayaka Sahakara Sangham Ltd” meaning “Dharani Farming and Marketing Mutually Aided Co-operative society Ltd” was registered under Andhra Pradesh Mutually Aided Co-operative Societies Act. Adisakthi MATCS, the women’s cooperative, handed over the venture including the assets and liabilities to this newly formed cooperative. Thus the business venture called “Adisakthi Dharani” was renamed as “Dharani FaM Co-op Ltd” with a new board of directors.

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