Provision of irrigation facilities and encouragement to expand cooperatives were among the main strategies which were followed for agricultural development in Maharashtra. Different social groups responded differently to these new opportunities. The differential responses were a result of the differing material conditions of the groups and their perceptions of their own interests. It was also a matter of differing values and attitudes. The Malis, traditionally cultivators of irrigated crops, helped by their favourable attitudes, migrated to the newly irrigated areas and exploited the new opportunity, while the Marathas and other local cultivating caste groups were reluctant and slow in doing so. The Marathas, the dominant caste group, were enthusiastic to participate in cooperatives. The Malis were reluctant for tear of Maratha domination. Exploitation of new opportunities was, thus, influenced partly by cultural factors and partly by perceptions of self‐interest by different groups.