Farmer Producer Organisations in Aquaculture-Prospects and Potentials

Abstract

Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is a registered body with farmers and producers as shareholders in the organisation. It deals with business activities related to the farm produce and it works for the benefit of the member producers. It focuses on enhancement of farmer’s capacity through advanced agricultural practices to increase productivity. FPO facilitates access to fair and remunerative markets including linking of producer groups to marketing opportunities through market aggregators. It undertakes many activities starting from procurement of inputs to disposal of produce and acts as a bridge between production and marketing. Government of India is promoting FPOs by mobilizing the farmers and helping them in registering as companies through Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Presently, around 7,374 FPOs are in existence in the country. In order to boost farmers’ income in fishery sector, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar facilitated formation of Bhargabi fish farmers Producers Company limited in Balipatna block as a part of Farmer FIRST project. This company was incorporated on 27th March 2019 with an authorized capital of Rs. 10 Lakh. Technical back up and training were provided to the members about scientific fish culture practices. The article discusses prospects and potentials of FPOs in aquaculture and suggests measures for its replication.