Published Paper Details:

This study critically examines the contribution of cooperative banks in enhancing farmers' awareness of agricultural development schemes and in delivering effective financial services in the districts of Chamarajanagara and Mysore. Emphasis is placed on understanding the extent to which farmers are informed about government-sponsored initiatives through cooperative banks and their level of satisfaction with the services received. Findings indicate that while cooperative banks are deeply embedded in the rural financial landscape, challenges such as inconsistent communication, low outreach among disadvantaged groups, and procedural delays hinder the full realization of their benefits. Many farmers report limited knowledge of available schemes, particularly in low-income and less-educated segments, pointing to a gap in targeted awareness efforts. Additionally, while the proximity and familiarity of cooperative banks contribute to trust, service inefficiencies--like delayed loan disbursal and inadequate staff responsiveness--impact overall satisfaction. The study concludes that to maximize their role in rural development, cooperative banks must adopt more inclusive outreach programs, strengthen service quality, and build staff capacities to better serve the evolving needs of the farming community.