Producer Organizations Research Articles

A comprehensive review of farmers producer organizations in India: Historical evolution, current status and future policy challenges

Agriculture plays an important role in India but faces various challenges. A large number of farmers in India have small and marginal holdings of less than two hectares, which is linked to the increasing fragmentation of land. Many institutional policies aim to improve the farmer’s livelihoods to mitigate the disadvantages of land fragmentation. These measures include the formation of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS), Self-Help Group (SHG), Joint Liability Group (JLG) and Common Interest Group (CIG). However, there are limitations to these initiatives, as they often provide considerably more managerial control and influence to local powerful individual. In response, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as pivotal entities aimed at integrating smallholders into mainstream markets. India has over 10,000 FPOs, benefiting 4 million farmers and increasing income by 20-25%. But 70% face sustainability challenges. Policy initiatives, such as NABARD’s Rs.6,865 crore schemes, an aim to address these issues. This paper considered the Scopus database using the Boolean keyword "Farmer" AND "Producer organization" and identified articles were shortlisted after screening using PRISMA framework. While previous studies have offered insights into various aspects of FPOs, there remains a significant lack of cohesive analysis integrating historical trends, current challenges and future policy directions. This study identifies key factors influencing FPO system, including governance mechanisms, market linkages and capacity-building initiatives. The review highlights current challenges and opportunities within the FPO system, suggesting policy recommendations for future development. The findings offer valuable insights into the transformative potential of FPOs and inform strategic policy recommendations to ensure their sustainability in India's agricultural sector.

Ensuring On-farm Food Safety through Good Agricultural Practices: A Review

With food-borne illnesses increasing every year and e-commerce operations reaching every location globally, ensuring food safety is of paramount importance. In India, 16 per cent of the total disease outbreaks are reported to be food-related emphasising the significance. While On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) practices ensure food safety, many complexities are involved in bringing them to the forefront among farmers due to underreporting of food-borne illness, small and scattered farms, lack of evidence in linking illness to food consumed etc. Tackling OFFS requires farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) that address environmental, economic and social sustainability. India also offers a certification scheme, IndGAP, to individual and group farmers that requires farmers to follow GAPs. Though the scheme is available, its adoption among farmers is yet to be ascertained due to a lack of data. Implementation of GAPs by farmers reportedly reduces the consumption of plant protection chemicals thereby reducing the cost of cultivation. As compliance with various such practices that ensure food safety is required, the food produced by the farmers following GAPs will be much safer than otherwise. Evidence also suggests that both small and large farmers have similar levels of knowledge on various GAPs and thereby any farmer can implement them with handholding support from the governments. As most of the landholdings in India are small and marginal, Farmer Producer Organisations should be leveraged to train the farmers in the adoption of GAPs. More research on OFFS practices adoption levels, cost and return analysis and improving the regulations and compliance in the policy landscape of food safety are essential to ensure food produced is safe to consume.

Sociobioeconomic Effects of the Transition of Cocoa Grown in Agroforestry Systems to Full Sun in the Amazon

Objective: The goal of this research was to analyze the socioeconomic and environmental factors that define the technological transition in the microregion of Altamira. Theoretical framework: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) farming in agroforestry systems (AFS), which have always been the structuring base of the production chain, have now combined this base with the monoculture system also called full-sun cocoa farming system. The good practices used differ from the perspective of sustainable development: the AFS operates with social and environmental dimensions and the full-sun cocoa farming system operates with economic dimensions. Results and conclusion: The four latent variables identified by Explanatory Factorial Analysis (EFA) indicated that the sociobioeconomic feasibility of cocoa farming with AFS is higher than that of Full-sun cocoa farming system, which is currently being implemented in the Trans-Amazon region. The conclusion is that cocoa farming with AFS dominated in the long-term generation of sociobioeconomic and may include new dynamics with the progress of certification and access to the carbon and ecosystems services market. Research implications: How do the cocoa stakeholders notice the effects of cocoa farming transition from AFS to a combination with the Full-sun farming in the supply chain? The EFA was applied to a data sample with the stakeholders from cocoa chain to define the latent variables and to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of cocoa farming via AFS and Full-sun. Originality/value: The Full-sun cocoa farming system is based only on the highest productivity resulted from the use of chemicals, mechanization and access to credit. The AFS presents higher yield, social inclusion, biodiversity preservation, and reducedy greenhouse gases emissions. Therefore, the organization of producers, cocoa certification and access to the carbon market can make the cocoa farming in the Trans-Amazon region more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable.

Exploring Challenges Faced by Farmers in Participating in Farmer’s Producer Organizations: Understanding the Key Issues Impacting FPO Success: A Review

The modernization of agricultural systems is crucial for the development of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) help to unite small, marginaland landless farmers, giving them the collective strength to address various issues and improve their living standards and profitability. However, to ensure the sustainability of the FPOs, it is essential to build the right technical skill sets and business acumen within the FPOs. The study’s main objectives are to discover why farmers are not participating in FPO activities and to study FPOs to learn about their challenges. The present study is exploratory. A standard instrument, a questionnaire, was used to collect primary data. The researcher interviewed 1155 farmers and surveyed representatives of 25 farmer-producer companies to get an overview. The best method of marketing agricultural produce is forming a farmer-producer company and marketing through it. The study revealed that most farmers are not members of the Farmers Producer Company. Through this study, the researcher learned that “The lack of penetration of the FPO concept among farmers” is the main reason. Most of the FPOs are facing various challenges. The main challenge is the lack of financial support to run FPO successfully. Lack of capacity building and inadequate infrastructure facilities represent significant challenges for farmer-producer organizations. The government must address the challenges faced by farmers and FPO to assist farmers in obtaining favorable returns from their agricultural produce.

Diagnosis of Protected Agriculture in Imbabura—Ecuador, Period 2016–2023

Protected agriculture in Ecuador began in the 1990s and has expanded due to its comparative advantages over open field production. However, there are no statistics on this sector, which limits decision-making. The aim of this research was to provide a baseline of greenhouse agriculture in Imbabura. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery was used to estimate the spatial distribution of plastic-covered surface area in 2016 and 2023. To minimize biases in estimation, manual verification was also conducted. Based on population data, a structured survey was administered to a probabilistic sample of 234 greenhouses. The results highlight the presence of 1958 greenhouses that cover 527 hectares, with an average of 0.26 hectares. The greenhouses were characterized in terms of their design, construction materials and equipment. The main crop under plastic is tomato, with 76.9%, of which the management characteristics and the productive and economic results obtained in 2023 were identified. The findings could inform the formulation of public policies or specific interventions to strengthen protected agriculture in the region; however, support mechanisms are needed to fully exploit its potential. Among these, producer organization could be a viable strategy to address food security challenges in the context of climate change.

An Overview of Pluralism in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services

The agricultural sector in India has experienced significant changes over the years, creating new challenges amidst rapid population growth. To meet the increasing demand for food, enhancing agricultural production through diverse strategies is essential, with pluralistic approaches to Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) playing a critical role. EAS provides technical, organizational, business, and management support to farmers and vulnerable communities, helping to improve their socio-economic status. Pluralism within extension services involves multiple service providers from government, private, and civil society sectors working together to offer a variety of services by pooling resources, technology, and expertise. Public sector extension providers alone cannot meet the diverse needs of rural populations due to financial and operational limitations. The rise of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and private service providers has positively influenced the advisory sector by expanding the reach and quality of services. This study aims to explore the impact of pluralism on agricultural extension outcomes and provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the role of various stakeholders in delivering critical advisory services for sustainable agricultural development.

Evolution and growth of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in agriculture

Evolution and growth of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in agriculture

Role of farmer producer organizations in promoting women empowerment in agriculture

Role of farmer producer organizations in promoting women empowerment in agriculture

Evaluation of farmer producer organisations: Case of Bharuch district

Evaluation of farmer producer organisations: Case of Bharuch district

Millet consumption- Do Indian consumers prefer RTC and RTE small millet-based food products

For centuries, India's diverse agricultural landscape has recognized millet as a vital source of nutrition and a resilient crop, offering a sustainable solution to address food security challenges. Alongside other small-seeded grains, millet has been traditionally regarded as a staple food in India. This study provides insights into the dynamics of the small millet market in India, highlighting the key factors driving consumer preferences, which were analyzed using the Plackett-Luce model. The analysis reveals a general decline in the area under small millet cultivation, despite improved productivity in recent years. Millet consumption patterns indicate a rising preference for other types of millets over sorghum, particularly in urban areas. Millet-based Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and startups play a critical role in meeting the growing demand for millet-based products. Consumer’s choices are primarily driven by factors such as availability, quality, and price, while taste, brand, and nutritional benefits, though important are comparatively less influential.

Advancing India's Agroforestry Potential: Leveraging Technology and Community Approaches for Sustainable Development

Agroforestry, a sustainable land management practice integrating trees with crops and livestock, holds immense potential for climate change mitigation and enhancing rural livelihoods in India. This article explores the synergy between advanced Remote Sensing (RS) technologies, such as vegetation indices like NDVI, and participatory approaches involving Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and other farmer collectives. These combined interventions enable efficient monitoring and large-scale Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) activities, ensuring carbon finance benefits. By leveraging technology and collaboration, agroforestry can significantly contribute to India's carbon neutrality goals, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable income generation for farmers.

Correction: Reconquer and divide: comparative standard-setting strategies among producer organizations

Correction: Reconquer and divide: comparative standard-setting strategies among producer organizations

Organic farming: mapping the perceptual landscape of business competence

PurposeWith organic farming (OF) emerging as a pivotal and sustainable farm enterprise globally, its adoption – particularly through sustainable organic farming practices (SOFP) – underscores the crucial role played by the competencies of organic farmers. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive perceptual assessment of the competencies essential for SOFP in the unique agricultural landscape. The focus is on exploring the entrepreneurial, managerial, personal and technical competencies of farmers engaged in OF.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a sequential mixed-methods approach, this study began with a quantitative phase (structured questionnaire) and seamlessly transitioned into a qualitative phase (focus group interviews). A total of 513 usable responses were received in the quantitative phase, and data from seven focus group interviews (FGIs) were recorded in the qualitative phase. The respondents were registered organic farmers affiliated with various farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in the Kashmir Valley, India. Methodological triangulation was used to interpret the results.FindingsThrough perceptual analysis, the study systematically identified and assessed the competencies held by the organic farmers. The study uncovered that farmers in the Kashmir Valley demonstrate competencies across personal, entrepreneurial, managerial and technical domains. Despite an overall moderate competence level, technical and managerial competencies were perceived as low and are focal points for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sheds light on OF competencies in the Kashmir Valley, caution is warranted due to its regional focus. The reliance on self-reported data introduces potential bias in competency assessments. The sample, drawn from FPOs, can be a lacuna. The study’s static snapshot captures competencies at a specific time, limiting insights into potential temporal changes.Practical implicationsThe findings advocate for targeted competency development programs tailored to elevate varied competencies among farmers. Collaborative initiatives, market-oriented training and locally customized extension services are proposed to effectively address and bridge competence gaps. Policymakers are urged to consider incentivizing competency development and crafting integrated agricultural policies that comprehensively support competency enhancement.Originality/valueThis research contributes significantly to the existing theory and literature by advancing the understanding of competencies of organic farmers. It unveils perceptual assessment on four key competence dimensions that are very vital for SOFP and also explores the extent to which these competencies are evident. Furthermore, this study provides interventions for competence development for successful sustainable organic agri-ventures and entrepreneurial avenues.

Institutional Bricolage and Collective Action: A Case Study of a Farmers’ Producer Organisation in Tamil Nadu, South India

Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) are conceived as fundamental institutional mechanisms at the village and cluster levels to strengthen the Farmers’ Producer Organisations (FPOs) by pooling their existing resources, gaining better access to other resources and sharing mutual benefits. However, diverse stakeholders could perceive the notion of collective engagement differently. Whether they are actors representing the state, community or other civil society organisations, their respective values, interests, knowledge and power relations could vary, resulting in social discontinuities rather than the intended innovation outcome. Often, such collectives could end up pursuing specific neoliberal functions rather than empowerment as such. This article examines the nature of such interfaces in a women’s FIG promoted by an FPO in Tamil Nadu, South India. Guided by the critical institutionalism and situated knowledge perspective, this article explores how the FPO, as a dynamic institution, mediates relationships between the members’ local contexts, the state and the market. Further, this article highlights the nature of the agency women farmers’ exercise in responding to the resulting institutional dynamics and uncertainties. Insights from this article could enable us to understand the diverse contextual factors that shape farmers’ collective, specifically women, in shaping social change and institutional innovation.

Reconquer and divide: comparative standard-setting strategies among producer organizations

AbstractFood standards, which are used to signal adherence to sustainability goals or a specific origin, have deep political implications. Standards crafted by retailers, processors, or third-party actors such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often disempower farmers. Moreover, due to the liberalization and globalization of many food value chains, producer organizations (POs) lost some of their legal privileges and market protections. This paper analyzes how POs in the Global North sought to regain their control over food markets by establishing their own standards. These strategies and their consequences are considered across three dimensions: the internal life of the PO, the relevant market institutions, and the relationship between the PO and the state. Our case studies (N = 5) performed in France and in Québec, a French-speaking province of Canada, span across a variety of food sectors. Drawing on qualitative material, we designed our explanatory framework through an abductive, iterative method. Although standards crafted by POs have, in some cases, reshaped market institutions to their advantage and have repositioned them in the governance of food markets, they come at a cost. They may create tensions within POs and clash with the agrarian values of solidarity, democracy, and autonomy. Overall, this article challenges the assumption that food standards are mainly governed by private actors and sheds light on the new alliances and new identities of POs.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Value Chain Management in Enhancing the Competitive Advantage of Farmer Producer Organizations in Tamil Nadu

This study investigated the effectiveness of Value Chain Management in enhancing the competitiveness of FPOs within the agricultural sector of Tamil Nadu, with a focus on millets and oilseeds. The research aimed to analyze factors influencing FPOs' competitive advantage, map the agricultural value chain and identify underlying factors affecting successful VCM implementation. Porter's Diamond Model was employed to analyze competitive advantage, while Factor Score Regression (FSR) was used to identify factors influencing VCM implementation. The study revealed the competitive advantages of the North-Western and North-Eastern agroclimatic zones, driven by favourable factor conditions, robust demand, supportive industries and strategic firm strategies, particularly exemplified by FPOs. FSR analysis validated the importance of factors such as product diversification, marketing, quality assurance, financial management, partnerships, infrastructure, leadership and farmer education in driving VCM for FPO sustainability. These findings provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance competitiveness, sustainability and economic growth in Tamil Nadu's agricultural landscape.

Why fish farmer producer organizations (FFPO) are scarce in shrimp farming sector and what needs to be done to promote it?

Why fish farmer producer organizations (FFPO) are scarce in shrimp farming sector and what needs to be done to promote it?

Status and Performance of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Maharashtra: A Case Study of Pulses

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as one of the most effective institutional mechanisms to protect the interests of small and marginal farmers in the context of a globalized market. Maharashtra stands out as one of the leading states with a large number of FPOs engaged in various sectors, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and pulses. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of pulse-producing FPOs while providing an overview of the status and functioning of FPOs in India. A primary survey was conducted among member and non-member farmers in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra to assess the performance of these organizations, identify factors influencing farmer participation in FPOs, and examine the challenges faced by FPOs. The findings revealed that a higher proportion of member farmers, compared to non-members, benefitted from field visits by extension agents (NGOs) and training received on marketing activities. The results of the logit regression analysis suggested that extension visits and training provided by NGOs significantly motivate farmers to join FPOs. However, major constraints faced by FPOs included low awareness among farmers, marketing risks, limited government support, and the collusion between local traders and market intermediaries.

The Role of Farmer Producer Organizations in Raising Smallholder Farmers' Income: A Comprehensive Review

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in India are crucial in supporting small and marginal farmers by providing financial aid, technical guidance, and market access. This ultimately helps to increase their incomes and empower women. FPOs improve farmers' livelihoods through direct marketing, collective negotiation, and resource optimization. However, they face challenges such as infrastructure gaps, inadequate training, funding shortages, and difficulties in adopting modern agricultural practices. Government support is essential to address these challenges and help FPOs explore new markets, including e-commerce and exports. While FPOs are a promising approach to sustainable agricultural development, they face threats from private companies and price volatility. Addressing these challenges and enacting supportive policies are essential for ensuring the growth and sustainability of India's agricultural sector.

Studies on Status and Activities of Farmer Producer Organization of Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India

The present study was carried out during 2023-24. The study was intended to explain the performance of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) and extent of facilities availed by its member farmers. Thus, a total of four actively functioning FPOs were selected and a semi structured questionnaire survey was conducted in four selected FPO’s belonging to four different taluks of Uttar Kannada district. Data from the respondents were collected with the help of an interview schedule. The results revealed that, among selected FPO’s highest farmers were registered under the Aghanashini FPO (1450) followed by Sarvajnendra FPO (800), Raita kalyana FPO (600) and Madhumitra horticulture FPO (500). Raita Kalyana FPO had highest number of visiting famers (700) whereas Madhumitra Horticulture FPO had the highest participation of farmers in the extension activities. The most widely practiced land use system among all the FPO’s was home garden system, especially in Aghanashini Spice Producer FPO (1400 farmers). In dairy farming Sarvajnendra FPO has the highest participation of farmers (560). Raita Kalyana FPO stands out as the most active FPO, with highest farmer participation particularly in activities like fertilizer distribution and organizing workshops, which drives farmers more towards visiting farmer’s producer organization.