image
logo
COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
Print
Theme 1: Emerging experiences on CBOs’ intervention and Sustainable Agri-food Systems

The Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Building Bridges to Prosperity for India’s Agri-Fish Farming

AbhayKumar Chandegara, Jitendra Kumar Chauhan, A.D. Upadhyay, Biswajit Lahiri, and Halpati Reena

College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura (CAU, Imphal)
abhaykumarchandegara@gmail.com

Abstract

The agriculture and fisheries sectors hold immense significance in India’s economy, gradually playing a vital role in livelihoods and food security for millions of farms and nonfarm populations. However, emerging challenges like market instability, limited access to modern technologies, and inadequate infrastructure affect the farmers’ socio-economic and agricultural development. In this context, Producer Organizations have emerged as a solution. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the current status and role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in uplifting the agriculture and fish farming community. In the country, from 2010 to 2022 over 15,984 FPOs were registered with the 58 per cent exponential growth rate per annum, connecting about 1.5 million farmers. FPOs have empowered marginal and small farmers by providing enhanced market access, bargaining power, economies of scale, value chain integration, diversification opportunities, etc. They facilitate farmers’ access to various modern market channels, financial services, risk mitigation, and reduced reliance on informal lenders. FPOs also play vital roles in extension, demand articulation, service provision, capacity building, and finance. Integration of FPOs into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can further amplify their impact. However, challenges, including capacity gaps, policy constraints, infrastructural limitations, and socio-cultural factors, have restrained FPO effectiveness. The legal and policy frameworks influence FPO structure, and successful FPOs establish strong external connections for sustainable growth. These organisations can catalyse positive change by aligning policies, resources, and innovations with FPOs’ needs, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development in agriculture and fisheries.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India