M.B.A. (Part II) (Semester III) (CBCS) Examination, 2017
(Paper XIX) (Gr. AGRICULTURE AND CO-OPERATIVE
MANAGEMENT (Paper
Fundamentals of Agriculture and Co-Operative Management
Day and Date Friday, 12-5-2017 Total Marks 70
Time 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Instructions Question No. 1 is compulsory.
Attempt any two questions from Q. No. Q. No. 3 and
Q. No. 4.
Attempt any two questions from Q. No. Q. No. 6 and
Q.No. 7.
Figures to the right indicate full marks.
1. Case study.
The Farmers
Tony de Castro has perfected the technique of worm composting. Under the
humid tropical climate earthworms eat up industrial quantities of solid organic
waste. The result is black humus after only six weeks, which is the perfect
medium to enrich soil for organic agriculture. Tony has thus started market
gardening of vegetables to make use of the ten tonnes of vermin compost he
produces every month. After investing in a 6 ha vegetable farm, he has contracted
with five farmers, including four very poor landless farmers, with a total area of
5 ha and trained them in using vermin compost. As a result he has found
himself at the head of a small group of organic vegetable producers with three
tonnes of produce in need of a market every week.
The market
Tony and his group supply the biggest vegetable category manager for the
largest retailing chain in the Philippines. The chain would like Tony to deliver
organic vegetables for its twelve outlets but the group can only produce enough
vegetables for three outlets. Tony and his group thus have an expanding national
market to continue developing production of their vermin compost and their
organic vegetables.
The linkages
Tony is also the marketing outlet for the farmers. He purchases all the produce
grown by them. Purchase orders are sent to Tony on his mobile phone by SMS.
Tony buys the produce at 50 to 70 percent of his own sales price, depending on
the product. Therefore, the producers have an assured market and a fixed price
for their produce. Tony only rejects items that are under-sized or of awkward
shape. A few holes in leafy vegetables are actually a visible sign of an organic
produce for discerning consumers. Tony also has his own direct marketing
outlet in Metro Manila.
Analyze the case. 5
Explain training and support services. 2
Discuss the result. 5
Highlight lessons and distinct features. 2
2. Write short notes on (any two). 14
Soil erosion.
Regional rural banks.
Co-operative movement in India.
3. Write short notes on (any two). 14
Irrigation system.
Unique features of Co-operative Management.
Land development bank.
4. Write short notes on (any two). 14
National Housing Bank.
District Central Co-operative Banks.
Cropping pattern.
5. Define agricultural labour. Highlight the characteristics. 14
6. Discuss agri and non-agricultural Co-operatives in India. 14
7. Discuss in detail improved seed and plant protection measures. 14