Co-Operate and Prosper — Important Questions

They could not meet their basic needs

The chapter explains that 'always in want' means the farmers could not make both ends meet - their earnings were not enough to meet even their basic needs despite working hard. This phrase indicates poverty and financial struggle, not greed or endless demands. The farmers worked hard but remained poor due to exploitation by middlemen.

Ramon Magsaysay Award

The chapter specifically states that Dr. Kurien 'was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership.' This is an international award. While he also received Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan (civilian awards from India), the Ramon Magsaysay Award was specifically mentioned for community leadership. Bharat Ratna is not mentioned in the chapter.

They harassed and exploited farmers

The chapter clearly states that 'This system of co-operative effort eliminated the middlemen who harassed and exploited the ignorant farmers.' Middlemen took advantage of farmers' ignorance, paid them low prices for milk, and caused them mental distress. The cooperative system helped farmers get better prices by eliminating these middlemen.

A dairy development program

The chapter mentions that 'Dr. Kurien established the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and designed the Operation Flood Programme.' Given the context of the entire chapter being about dairy development and Dr. Kurien's work in the milk industry, Operation Flood refers to a large-scale dairy development program. It's not about water management, disaster relief, or irrigation.