On the 11th of Bhadra, 2074, a collaborative interaction took place between Panchtaal Agriculture Cooperative and various local groups, leading to increased interest in cooperatives among the groups. This interaction aimed to bridge the gap between groups and cooperatives. Although groups were established and cooperatives were formulated, their connection remained distant. While groups operated independently, cooperatives followed their own procedures. Despite their ongoing activities, neither groups recognized the need for cooperatives, nor did the cooperative fully comprehend the importance of the group. Groups never considered the possibility of joining and benefiting from cooperatives. Similarly, the cooperative did not consider involving groups, increasing its membership, and expanding its services and facilities. Consequently, the distance between groups and cooperatives continued to widen.

Continuous group meetings, coaching, counseling, and facilitation led to a prompt realization of each other’s needs. This realization prompted discussions on the significance of minimizing the gap between groups and cooperatives, given that both were established on the same principles by the same organization. Questions arose regarding the need to increase differences. Ultimately, it was acknowledged that groups require cooperatives, and vice versa.

As a result of this understanding, all three groups—Nadai Devi, Bhuribhucha, and Mahadev—joined the Panchtaal Agriculture Cooperative, with Kaayakot having previously joined. The Nadai Devi and Mahadev groups began depositing fifty rupees per person per month into the cooperative, while Bhurichula saved a hundred rupees per person per month and deposited it. Currently, the relationship between all four groups and the cooperative is expanding. On the 9th of [missing month], 2074, Panchtaal Agriculture Cooperative organized a cultural program on disaster management, sponsored by Pace Nepal. All four groups actively participated in the program.

There has also been an increasing belief in joining the cooperative, saving, and utilizing the services and facilities it provides. Currently, there are 26 members from the Nadai Devi group, 25 from the Mahadev group, and 27 from the Bhuchula group, totaling 78 members from three groups, who regularly save at the cooperative. Both cooperatives and groups are showing a growing interest in each other. Kaali Bahadur Rawat, the Chairman of Panchtaal Agriculture Cooperative, stated, “If all groups had joined the cooperative like this earlier, imagine where we would be now.” Saraswoti Kunwar, the Treasurer of the Bhurichula group, added, “We deposited our savings in cooperatives elsewhere and overlooked the one established in our own village.” If the connection between groups and cooperatives can be strengthened, wouldn’t there be shared views regarding the benefits and successes of both parties?