I want to start a dairy cooperative in Kozhikode, what does the state cooperative societies act require?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To start a dairy cooperative in Kozhikode, you must comply with the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act, 1969, which provides the legal framework for the registration and functioning of cooperatives in the state.

Here are the steps and requirements to establish a dairy cooperative under the Act:

• Formation of a Group: Gather a minimum of 10 individuals who are willing to be members of the cooperative. The members should have a common interest in dairy farming.
• Drafting the Bye-Laws: Prepare the bye-laws of the cooperative, which should include:
  • Name of the cooperative.
  • Aims and objectives, focusing on dairy production and marketing.
  • Membership criteria and rights of members.
  • Management structure, including the roles of the managing committee.
  • Profit distribution and other financial policies.
• Registration Application: Submit an application for registration to the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Kerala. The application must include:
  • Form A (Application for Registration) as per Section 6 of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act, 1969.
  • Bye-laws of the proposed cooperative.
  • Details of the founding members.
  • Address of the registered office.
• Verification and Approval: The Registrar will verify the application and may call for additional information or clarifications. If everything is in order, the cooperative will be registered.
• Obtain a Registration Certificate: Upon approval, you will receive a Certificate of Registration, which officially recognizes your dairy cooperative as a legal entity.
• Compliance with Other Regulations: After registration, ensure compliance with:
  • Annual audits as per Section 50 of the Act.
  • Filing annual returns as stipulated in the Act.
  • Adhering to any licensing requirements for dairy production and sale as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Additionally, consider joining the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) for support in marketing and distribution. Following these steps will help in establishing a successful dairy cooperative in Kozhikode.