Producer Companies Research Articles

Managerial Ability of the Members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur District of Assam with Reference to Commercial Litchi Production

Farmer Producer Company is a company formed by a group of farmers who are producers come together to form a company. The present investigation was conducted out with the objective to measure the managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur district of Assam with reference to commercial litchi production. Agnigarh Producer Company Limited was selected purposively, as the Farmer Producer Company dealing with commercial litchi production was operating in this district. A sample of 80 respondents was chosen from 13 selected villages in Sonitpur district using a proportionate random sampling method. To assess the managerial ability of the FPC members, the Managerial Ability Scale created by Jadav (2005) was used. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (43.75%) belonged to middle aged category with higher secondary level of formal education (41.25%). Majority of respondents (41.25%) belonged to small size of operational land holdings category and (60.00%) had medium level of litchi yield index with medium level of farm mechanization (70.00%) and medium level of irrigated area under litchi cultivation (77.50%). Majority of them (80.00%) had medium level of farm wage payment related to litchi cultivation with (53.75%) of respondents had medium level of experience in litchi cultivation. Whereas (63.75%) of respondents had medium level of attitude towards modern agriculture with high level of training exposure (50.00%). The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents (61.25%) had medium level of managerial ability index.

Constraints Faced by Bt Cotton Seed Companies in Gujarat: A Comprehensive Analysis

India's cotton industry is crucial to the economy, providing raw material for 75% of the textile industry and employing millions. Despite having the largest area under cotton cultivation globally, India faces challenges such as low productivity due to rain-fed farming. To address these challenges by enhancing productivity and pest resistance the Bt cotton producer companies were facing different constraints. Data from various stakeholders in Gujarat's Bt cotton seed market was collected and analysed using the Garrett Ranking Method to identify key factors influencing sales. The findings highlight the major constraints faced by Bt cotton producer companies includes the fixed price policy, lack of skilled manpower and seed adulteration. By improving access to quality seeds, enhancing farmer awareness and reforming seed policies, which significantly helps market dynamics in shaping the cotton seed sector.

A Scale to Measure the Level of Management Orientation of the Members of Farmer Producer Company with Reference to Potato Production in Assam, India

In the absence of a suitable scale to measure the management orientation of potato growers in relation to potato planning, potato production and potato marketing in Assam, there was a need to construct a management orientation scale. Therefore, effort was made to construct a scale to measure the level of management orientation of the members of the Farmer Producer Company with reference to potato production in Assam. A scale was developed with Likert’s summated rating technique. A list of 90 statements resulted after edition of 110 statements as per the fourteen criteria suggested by Thurstone and Chave. Statements were sent to 80 extension specialist working in various field of Assam Agricultural University for the critical evaluation of statements on a 3 point continuum. Based on the responses received from 60 out of 80 judges, the relevancy percentage (RP), Relevancy Weightage (RW) and Mean Relevancy Scores (MRS) were estimated. 74 items with RP > 60, RW > 0.60 and overall MRS > 2.0 were considered for item analysis. These items were administrated to 40 farmers for item analysis and items with ‘t’ value equal or greater than 1.75 were selected and those with ‘t’ value below 1.75 were rejected. Out of 74 statements, 30 statements were retained on the final scale through t-test item analysis. Thus, the instrument developed to measure the level of management orientation of the members of farmer producer company with reference to potato production in Assam consists of 20 positive and 10 negative statements. The dependability coefficient was determined using Rulon's formula and it was 0.8994. As a result, the developed scale was proven to be highly reliable. The scale developed to measure the level of management orientation of the members of Farmer Producer Company with reference to potato production in Assam is found to be reliable and can be utilized by researchers in similar studies. This scale will be very advantageous and convenient for researchers to examine the management orientation of potato growers in relation to potato planning, potato production and potato marketing.

Farmers' Perception on the Functioning of FPC-NRMFPCL in the Zaheerabad Region of Sanga Reddy District, Telangana, India

Indian agriculture is predominantly comprised of small and marginal farmers, who face significant challenges in accessing modern resources and markets. To address these issues, the government has promoted Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to enhance market access. This study assesses farmers' perceptions of the Narinja Rythu Mithra Farmers Producer Company Limited (NRMFPCL) in Zaheerabad Mandal, Telangana, using systematic random sampling of 80 farmers and a Likert scale for evaluation. Findings indicate high satisfaction with the quality of seeds and market information, reflecting the effectiveness of the services provided. The results underscore the importance of FPCs in improving farmers' livelihoods and accessing vital resources, suggesting a promising future for collective agricultural initiatives in enhancing market participation and overall rural development.

Adoption of mobile applications (apps) for information management in small agribusiness enterprises – an exploratory mixed-methods study of Farmer Producer Companies in India

Purpose Small farmers in India are collectivized and legalized as Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to progress in agri-food value chains as small agribusiness enterprises. FPCs are dependent on timely information for their sustainability and profitability. Mobile apps are a cost-effective form of information and communication technology. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the major determinants of mobile apps adoption by FPCs. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative data are collected by administering a semi-structured questionnaire and conducting in-depth interviews with board members of 115 FPCs, with a total membership of 30,405 farmers operating in 14 districts of the state of Kerala, India. The logit model is used for quantitative analysis, while dialog mapping is used for qualitative analysis, based on an integrated technology acceptance model and technology organization environment framework. Findings Logistic regression results evidence that amongst FPC characteristics, while company size and age are significantly impacting apps adoption, there is no significant association between board size, education level, multiple commodities business or export intention of companies on apps adoption. Digital literacy and technical hands-on training for FPC board members are quintessential to facilitate mobile apps adoption. Practical implications The findings are pertinent to policymakers to earmark funds for technical handholding and digital upskilling of FPCs. The need for developing comprehensive, location-centric, farmer-friendly apps by agritech companies is evidenced. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a pioneering work in the domain of mobile apps adoption from a farmers’ agribusiness enterprise perspective in an emerging market economy using a mixed-methods approach.

Faktor – Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Saluran Distribusi PT Tirta Investama Surabaya

Several things that must be considered so that marketing activities run well and smoothly, one of which is distribution channels. Distribution channels include all activities related to the business of conveying goods produced by a producer company to buyers or potential consumers. The purpose of this research is to determine the factors that influence distribution channels. The type of research used by researchers is quantitative research. In this research, the Non Probability Sampling method was used with the technique used, namely Purpose Sampling, so that 2 types of vehicles were obtained, namely the L 300 pick-up and the crank truck. 12 units of L 300 pick up and 4 units of auto trucks. The data collection technique in this research uses secondary data. Data analysis techniques use multiple linear regression analysis, validity testing, normality testing, and hypothesis testing. The research results show that market coverage and goods can simultaneously influence distribution channels, partial market coverage can influence distribution channels, goods can partially influence distribution channels

Economic analysis of Kanhan agro vision farmer producer company limited with special reference to rice

Economic analysis of Kanhan agro vision farmer producer company limited with special reference to rice

Socio-economic profile characteristics of the members of farmer producer company with reference to potato production in Assam

Socio-economic profile characteristics of the members of farmer producer company with reference to potato production in Assam

A Study on the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices among Farmer Members of Farmer Producer Companies in Different Agroclimatic Regions of Tamil Nadu, India

A Study on the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices among Farmer Members of Farmer Producer Companies in Different Agroclimatic Regions of Tamil Nadu, India

Wingrow Agritech Producer Company Limited: Excursion Toward Survival

Wingrow Agritech Producer Company Limited: Excursion Toward Survival

Evolving strategies for improving the performance of farmer producer companies through field studies

Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) were spearheaded for the integration of resource-poor farmers with the market systems in India. However, 45% of the FPCs aged more than five years had become dormant in function. The present study was undertaken to identify, validate and prioritise the strategies which could facilitate the improved performance of FPCs and ensure their sustainability in the long run. The list of strategies was identified through focus group discussions along with personal and telephonic interviews with experts associated with FPCs, viz. FPC officials (CEO, BODs), farmers, promoting agencies, customers, and government officials. Later, it was administered as a semi-structured interview schedule to experts for validation and prioritization using the Garrett ranking technique. The prominent prioritized strategies were ‘Capacity building of BODS to manage FPC business activities on their own’, and ‘Designing a well-defined business plan for the FPC’ for the stakeholder category Promoting agencies/ CBBOs, ‘FPCs need to strive to build trust among the member farmers’,‘Increasing the active membership strength’ were prioritized under the FPC category. Subsequently, ‘Building adequate knowledge on advantages of business association with FPC’, and ‘Motivating members of an FPC to build their own capacities such as financial literacy’ were ranked first for the farmers category. Under the category of customers, ‘Showing readiness to participate in customer satisfaction surveys,’ and ‘Updating knowledge on FPC products by discussions with friends and family’ were ranked first. ‘Reorienting the policy focus from mere formation to sustained incubation of FPCs’ and ‘Establishing platforms for FPCs to engage in policy advocacy and representation at various levels’ could ensure the sustainability of FPCs in India.

Assessing social capital and its impact on economic performance: A comparative study of members and non-members of farmer producer companies in India

Farmer producer companies (FPCs), modern farmer collectives registered under India’s Companies Act, play a crucial role in providing core services like input supply, marketing, technical, and financial support, as well as auxiliary services such as social capital and consultancy, which are linked to higher economic performance and innovation. The study analyzes the levels of social capital among members and non-members of FPCs and their relationship to the economic performance of their members. The data on social capital were collected from 20 FPCs (292 members and 77 non-members) from Maharashtra state of India. Unpaired student T-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare the levels of social capital among the members and non-members. OLS regression was performed to understand the difference in social capital and its effect on economic performance. The results reveal that all the indicators of social capital were significantly higher for the members (Mean = 4.27) than for non-members (Mean = 3.14). The social capital indicators related to membership and participation in groups (p-value < 0.10) and the sharing of production and other information (p-value < 0.01) positively affected economic performance. Higher levels of education (p-value < 0.05) and frequent contact with members (p-value < 0.01) positively affected, whereas higher landholding (p-value < 0.10) and years of membership (p-value < 0.01) negatively affected the economic performance of members. As the Indian government plans to add 10,000 FPCs in the next three years, the strategy to increase the social capital of FPCs may enhance the overall resilience and sustainability of rural economies.

EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED PROFILES OF BENEFICIARIES OF FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY WITH ITS CONSEQUENCES

The present study was conducted from 2020 to 2023 in the Aurangabad and Latur districts of the Marathwada region in the state of Maharashtra. These districts were purposefully selected for the research study due to the presence of the highest number of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). Four FPCs were purposively chosen from each district, each of which had been established either five or three years ago. In total, eight FPCs were selected for the present study. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between selected profiles of beneficiaries of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and its consequences in the Marathwada region. By examining the characteristics and outcomes of beneficiaries within FPCs, we aimed to shed light on the impact of FPC membership on farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural practices in the region. From each of these selected FPCs, two villages were purposively chosen for the study based on the highest number of beneficiaries actively engaged with the FPC. Fifteen beneficiaries were randomly selected from each Farmer Producer Company, resulting in a total sample of 120 beneficiaries. Additionally, 120 non-beneficiaries were selected, bringing the total sample size to 240. Correlation analysis revealed several factors positively and highly significantly related to the consequences of FPC membership, including annual income, social participation, information seeking behavior, mass media utilization, training received, economic motivation, risk preference, innovativeness, scientific orientation, market orientation, and knowledge. Additionally, education, land holding, and occupation were found to have a positive and significant relationship with FPC consequences, while age did not establish any significant relationship. Multiple regressions showed that 77 per cent of the total variation in the overall consequences of FPCs on beneficiaries was explained by the 15 independent variables examined in the study. Furthermore, path analysis indicated that education, social participation, economic motivation, innovativeness, market orientation, and knowledge were crucial variables influencing the overall consequences of FPC membership.

Opportunities to reduce environmental burden by recycling fabric waste in a woollen fabric company

PurposeWool fiber is accepted as one of the natural and renewable sources and has been used in the apparel and textile industry since ancient times. However, wool fiber has the highest global warming potential value among conventional fibres due to its high land use and high methane gas generation. This study aimed to recycle the wool fabric wastes and also to create a mini eco-collection by using the produced yarns.Design/methodology/approachThis manuscript aimed to evaluate the fabric wastes of a woolen fabric producer company. Fabric wastes were opened with two different opening systems and fiber properties were determined. First, conventional ring yarns were produced in the company’s own spinning mill by mixing the opened fibres with the long fiber wastes of the company. In addition, opening wastes were mixed with different fibres (polyester, long wool waste, and Tencel fibres) between 25% and 70% in the short-staple yarn spinning mill and used in the production of conventional ring and OE-rotor yarns. Most of the yarns contained waste fibres at 50%. Recycled and virgin yarns were used as a weft and warp yarn and a total of 270 woven fabric samples were obtained and fabric properties were examined. Also, a fabric collection was created. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was made for one of the selected yarns.FindingsAt the end of the study, it was determined that it was possible to produce yarn and fabric samples from fiber blends containing high waste fiber ratios beyond 50%. All the woven fabric samples produced from conventional ring and OE-rotor yarns gave higher breaking, tearing and stitch slip strength values in the weft and warp direction than limit quality values of the company. In addition, abrasion resistance and WIRA steam stability properties of the fabric samples were also sufficient. Environmental analysis of the recycling of the wastes showed a possible decrease of about 9940034.3 kg CO2e per year in the global warming potential. In addition, fiber raw material expenses reduced yarn production cost about 50% in case of opened fabric waste usage. However, due to insufficient pilling resistance results, it was decided to evaluate the woven fabrics for the product groups such as shawls and blankets, where pilling resistance is less sought.Originality/valueThe original aspects of the article can be summarized under two headings. First, there are limited studies on the evaluation of wool wastes compared to cotton and polyester fibres and the number of samples examined was limited. However, this study was quite comprehensive in terms of opening type (rag and tearing), spinning systems (long and short spinning processes), fiber blends (waste 100% and blends with polyester, long wool waste and Tencel fibres) and yarn counts (coarser and finer). Recycled and virgin yarns were used as a weft and warp yarn and a total of 270 woven fabric samples were obtained using different colour combinations and weave types. All processes from fabric waste to product production were followed and evaluated. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost analysis was also done. The second unique aspect is that the problem of a real wool company was handled by taking the waste of the woolen company and a collection was created for the customer group of the company. Production was made under real production conditions. Therefore, this study will provide important findings to the research field about recycling, sustainability etc.

Financial Performance of New Generation Cooperatives in India: Assessment of Selected Farmer Producer Companies in Alipurduar District of West Bengal

The study was carried out in the year 2022-23 to assess the financial performance of selected Farmer Producer Companies in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. The study used secondary data from the annual reports of these companies and assessed their financial performance through various financial ratios. The measurements of liquidity, solvency, profitability, and efficiency of these collectives revealed concerns related to the non-utilization of current assets even during their handholding period and the risk of poor performance after the handholding period was over. Strong financial management is needed to develop sustainable FPCs. Also, the capacity of member farmers must be raised in terms of financial management, which is a very sensitive and crucial aspect of business.

Information Technology Skills and Firm Performance of Kenya Tea Producers Companies

The study sought to examine the influence of information technology skills on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The study reviewed theoretical and empirical literature relevant to the role of Information Technology skills on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The conceptual framework was discussed to show the relationship between Information Technology skills and firm performance (dependent variable). Positivism philosophy guided this study. Positivism philosophy emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in understanding the world and acquiring knowledge. The study used cross-sectional survey design to establish the role of Information Technology strategic alignment on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. In this study, the target population was identified as tea producer companies that are members of the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) in Kenya. This choice was made on the premise that these entities are likely to possess pertinent and accurate information relevant to the research. Specifically, the population encompassed all 29 tea producer members of EATTA. Respondents’ population comprised of six top managers from each organization translating to 174 top managers. The sample size was 121 top managers. They were targeted because top managers of organizations mostly handle strategic management issues. The research employed purposive sampling to select respondents and primarily relied on gathering primary data. A questionnaire with a diverse set of questions was utilized to collect responses from participants. Prior to the main study, a pilot study was conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that information technology skills exert a positive and statistically significant influence on the performance of tea producer companies in Kenya. Findings revealed that cross-training, encouraging innovation and providing employment opportunities influences performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. This implies that a unit improvement in information technology skills would lead to improvement in performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. Based on the findings, this study recommends that the management of tea Producer companies should formulate and implement effect employee training programs to improve their IT skills.

Benefits of new generation farmers’ collectives: case reflection from an eastern state of India

ABSTRACT The current study uses field survey data from members of five farmer producer companies in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal and assesses the benefits of membership. The real income of member farmers increased by more than 30 per cent after joining farmer producer companies. The access to inputs like seeds, farm chemicals, and farm machines; to weather advisory and storage services; and also, to output markets, improved after joining farmer producer companies. The members were found to market 100 per cent of their produced food grains through farmer producer companies at minimum support prices. Member farmers were found to have stronger networks and greater temporal and informational efficiency. With nearly 40 per cent of members women, these farmer producer companies have emerged as instrumental in empowering them, improving their livelihood and incomes in the patriarchal and rural societal setup. However, even though these collectives are benefitting the rural economy, it was also found that more investment is needed to create local infrastructure.

Technology Communication and Firm Performance of Kenya Tea Producers Companies

The study sought to examine the role of Technology Communication on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The study reviewed theoretical and empirical literature relevant to the role of Technology Communication on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. The conceptual framework was discussed to show the relationship between Technology Communication (independent variable) and firm performance (dependent variable). Positivism philosophy guided this study. The study used cross-sectional survey design to establish the role of Information Technology strategic alignment on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. In this study, the target population was identified as tea producer companies that are members of the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) in Kenya. This choice was made on the premise that these entities are likely to possess pertinent and accurate information relevant to the research. Specifically, the population encompassed all 29 tea producer members of EATTA. Respondents’ population comprised of six top managers from each organization translating to 174 top managers. The sample size was 121 top managers. They were targeted because top managers of organizations mostly handle strategic management issues. Purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents. The study mainly relied on primary data. The study used a questionnaire with diverse set of questions for the respondent to answer. A pilot study was carried out in order to ascertain the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics in the form of means and standard deviations were computed on the Technology Communication and performance measurement scales to provide an initial outline of the distribution of the participants' responses. The study concluded that Technology Communication has a positive and statistically significant influence on performance of Tea Producers companies in Kenya. Based on the findings,this study recommends that the management of Tea Producer companies should ensure effectiveness in adopting information technology and using it in governance of their organization. In addition,the management of Tea Producer companies should ensure their employees are well equipped with information technology skills to improve their productivity.

BOOK REVIEW:Farmer Producer Companies in India: Road Map to Ensure Sustainability BY Srivastava, U.K. and Srivastava, Pramila

BOOK REVIEW:Farmer Producer Companies in India: Road Map to Ensure Sustainability BY Srivastava, U.K. and Srivastava, Pramila

Critical Analysis of Group Dynamics Effectiveness of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Members in Assam, India

Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is a legal entity formed by farmers with a major role in integrating both forward and backward linkages in the agricultural sector for enhancing farmers' income and their livelihoods through reduced cultivation and transaction costs. The present study to analyse the effectiveness of group dynamics of FPOs members was conducted in Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone (LBVZ) of Assam. In doing so, it utilized the descriptive research design following an ex-post-facto approach to fulfil the objectives of the study and to collect the cross-sectional data from 120 FPO member respondents through personal interview method during 2022. The study reveals that majority of the FPO members had a medium level of group dynamics effectiveness in all selected 12 indicators. The study also shows that among the identified 12 indicators to measure group dynamic effectiveness (GDE) of FPOs, group atmosphere was found with the highest mean value closely followed by teamwork, participation and group cohesiveness. The other indicators in order of importance based on their corresponding mean values were achievement of FPOs, confirmation to group norms, task function, decision making procedure, interpersonal trust, empathy and group communication. As many as 70 per cent members of FPOs in study areas had reported medium level of achievement of FPO, still there is huge scope for their further improvement and achievement in agriculture and allied activities and thereby enhance their income on sustainable basis. The study further reveals that Manikpur Joha Rice Producer Company Ltd. of Chirang district had the highest total GDEI score of 91.027. While Aya Baikho FPO Co-operative Society Ltd. of Goalpara district had the lowest GDEI score of 60.441.