Abstract Dairy cooperatives constitute a vital component of rural economic development in Maharashtra. The present study examines the spatial distribution and regional disparities of Dairy Development Cooperative Societies (DDCS) in Kolhapur district for the year 2024–2025. The district has a total of 6,238 dairy cooperative societies distributed across 12 tahsils. Using quantitative tools such as Cooperative Density Index (CDI), Location Quotient (LQ), and Pearson’s correlation analysis, the study identifies spatial specialization and institutional concentration patterns. The findings reveal that Karvir, Radhanagari, Kagal, and Panhala tahsils exhibit high cooperative specialization (LQ > 1), whereas Gaganbavda and Hatkanangale show low concentration. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.61) exists between the number of societies and membership strength. The study highlights spatial imbalance and emphasizes the need for region-specific policy interventions to ensure balanced dairy development.
Navnath K. Bansode (Thu,) studied this question.