With reference to Weaver’s Cooperatives, consider the following 1. They are formed to reduce dependence on the merchant. 2. In a cooperative, each…

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Weaver’s cooperatives are collective organizations formed by artisans to overcome the exploitative nature of the "putting-out system," where merchants control both the supply of raw materials and the purchase of finished goods. These cooperatives aim to improve the economic bargaining power of the weavers.

Statement-wise Analysis:

• Statement 1 is Correct: The primary objective of a weaver’s cooperative is to reduce the dependence of weavers on merchants and middlemen. By organizing collectively, weavers can bypass intermediaries who often pay low rates for labor or purchase cloth at unfair prices.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: In a cooperative model, the procurement of yarn is done collectively by the cooperative society, not by each weaver individually. The cooperative purchases yarn in bulk from spinning mills at wholesale rates and distributes it among the member weavers. Individual procurement would negate the benefits of economies of scale.
• Statement 3 is Correct: The cooperative plays a central role in marketing the finished product. It collects the cloth produced by members and sells it directly to garment manufacturers or in the market. This ensures that the profits, which would otherwise go to the merchant, are retained and distributed among the weavers.

Key Takeaway:
Weaver’s cooperatives function on the principle of collective action to eliminate middlemen, handling both the bulk procurement of raw materials and the marketing of finished products to ensure fair returns for artisans.