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Ever since the attainment of Independence in 1947, alleviation of rural poverty has been one of the primary objectives of planned economic development in India. The Government of India has been striving to improve the economic and social conditions of rural population through a host of measures including creation of productive employment opportunities based on optimal use of local raw materials and skills. It is undertaking interventions aimed at: (a) improving supply chain, (b) enhancing skills, (c) upgrading technology, and (d) expanding markets and capacity building of the entrepreneurs/artisans and their groups/collectives. Having begun primarily in the field of credit as a defensive mechanism against the usurious money lenders, co-operatives have come to embrace a large gamut of activities to serve the interests of the producers and consumers. Credit, however, still continues to be the predominant activity. Co-operatives are expected to play a major role in the distribution of inputs and services to the farmers on the one hand and in assisting marketing and processing of agricultural produce on the other. This book contains 7 well-researched papers, authored by experts in the field, which provide deep insights into the complexities involved in rural development of India and the role which co-operatives can play in this stupendous task. About the Author:- Dr. Rais Ahmad is formerly Head and Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh. He is also ex-Professor of the Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He received his M.Com., M.Phil and Ph.D degrees from AMU. He has recently completed a major research project on micro finance and self-help groups (SHGs) financed by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. He has to his credit 8 books and several research papers published in professional journals.