SOCIAL BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVE BASED ON BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES

Abstract

This dissertation titled ‘Social Business of Agricultural Co-operative Based on Buddhist Principles’ has three objectives: (1) to study the history of Co-operatives, agricultural Co-operatives, social enterprises, the problems and obstacles of the social enterprises of agricultural Co-operatives, (2) to study the application of Buddhist principles to the social enterprises of agricultural Co-operatives at Sriprachan Agricultural Cooperative, and (3) to study social businesses of agricultural Co-operatives based on Buddhist principles at Sriprachan Agricultural Cooperative. This is a qualitative research through literature reviews, in-depth interviews. And Focus Group Discussion.

The research found that the establishment of the Co-operative was caused by the abuse farmers received from middle-men, high costs coupled with low prices, unmanageable debt and the uncertainty arising from the environment. Co-operatives, be it agricultural or any other, are economic organizations set up by people or members to help each other according to a set of principles, joining forces, and capital to create a business for the mutual benefit of its members, Sriprachan Agricultural Cooperative, such as the application of the following Buddhist principles: five precepts (Benjasĩla), four sublime states of mind (Brahmavihãra), the bases of social solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu), the path of accomplishment and basis for success (Iddhipãda) in the management of people, finances, and operations.

Social Business, Sriprachan Agricultural Cooperative, Based on Buddhist Principles