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Abstract
Realisation of the importance of collectivisation of farmers into farmers producers organisations (FPOs) in mitigating some of the constraints related to product and financial markets that marginal and small farmers face has not only motivated the farmers to join a FPO but has also encouraged various stakeholders, viz., Government, financial institutions, NGOs to develop and implement some innovative products and programmes which may help FPOs to improve their ability to execute better business plans leading to increased profit to the farmers. A study in four states, viz., Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan covering 1886 farmer members of 39 FPOs and another 977 non-members was done to understand the benefits accruing to the farmers after joining a FPO. The study clearly shows that farmers can generate more income from agricultural and allied sector activities on account of better farming practices, savings in the purchase of inputs, change in cropping pattern, increase in productivity and production of the crops and other activities after joining an FPO. However, it was observed that the selection of CEOs is critical to the success of an FPO and therefore, it should be ensured that a knowledgeable and person with a positive attitude is selected as CEO.