The Roles of Agricultual Cooperatives in Linking Small Farmers to Set up Large Paddy Fields in Mekong Delta

Abstract

Agricultural cooperatives play a significant role in linking small farmers to set up large paddy fields in the Mekong Delta. Agricultural cooperatives’ association for establishment of big paddy fields allows firms to purchase secured raw materials in mass quantities, ensuring quality while reducing related costs. Farmers are able to cut down the cost of production, sell products more effectively by gaining economy of scale and have higher position and influence over the businesses. In order to enhance the role of agricultural cooperatives in linking small farmers to establish large paddy fields in the Mekong Delta, it is necessary to synchronously implement the following solutions such as (i) improving mechanisms and policies for agricultural cooperatives to promote their role in farmer linkage to set up large paddy fields; (ii) strengthening the capacity of agricultural cooperatives management staff; iii) strengthening the role of agricultural cooperatives’ representing member farmer households in carrying out the association with firms in setting up big paddy fields.

Keywords: Role of agricultural cooperatives, association, large paddy field, Mekong Delta

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-2-12