AID grant no. AID-386-2127 to carry out a cooperative oilseed processing management development project in India

(CLUSA) to assist the Indian National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to improve the management of India"s cooperative oilseed processing sector. CLUSA will implement the project. The project will focus on improving NCDC"s ability to fulfill its responsibility for cooperative management consulting. Four NCDC officials will participate in a short-term U.S. observation tour to meet with leaders of oilseed cooperatives. These U.S. leaders will assist NCDC to formulate work plans and training programs and will familiarize the Indians with American cooperative systems and practices. Six professionals will be trained as systems consultants and trainers, and training manuals and materials will be developed for their use in upgrading the systems management skills of at least 35 Indian unit managers. Methods of improved management will be devised, tested, and modified by the trained NCDC administrators. Emphasis will be placed on improvements in the following areas: cost reporting and control; inventory control; production planning and control; processing efficiency and reliability; raw material grading and storage; quality control diversification of raw materials and products; personnel efficiency; management information and control; raw material supply; and quality assurance. The project will contribute to India"s goal of doubling the size of the cooperative oilseed processing sector over the next four years, improving the returns of the small independent oilseed raisers, and developing a cooperative marketing system owned and operated by the farmers.