Producer Organizations Research Articles

Enhancing Income for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through Ginger Value Addition: Opportunities, Strategies and Market Insights

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most valuable spices globally, known for its culinary, medicinal, and industrial uses. As a primary cash crop in many regions, it offers substantial income opportunities for smallholder farmers. However, the traditional farming and marketing methods often limit the potential earnings of smallholder farmers. This review explores the concept of value addition in ginger, focussing on post-harvest processing, product diversification, packaging innovations, and market expansion strategies. It further highlights how Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can leverage these techniques to improve profitability and sustainability. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by FPOs, such as financial constraints and market access barriers, while highlighting opportunities supported by government policies and technological advancements. Advanced processing techniques, improved package, branding, and exploring new markets would achieve profitability and sustainability of FPOs. The reduction of value chain and directly paying to the farmers give opportunity to the consumers to get the ginger products at better prices.

Sentiment and success potential of farmers’ producer organizations: A systematic literature review

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are a viable alternative to cooperative farming, offering a commercialization model and improved income for smallholders. However, their adoption is often met with mixed sentiment among farmers, who lack capital, technical expertise, and institutional innovations. This study aims to explore the sentiments related to the adoption and success of FPOs in establishing a beneficial platform for small and marginal farmers, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), sentiment and thematic analysis. The findings suggest that FPOs can enhance marketing strategies and agricultural productivity, but their impact on agriculture is case-sensitive. Cooperatives, characterized by member ownership and bottom-up development approaches, are essential factors in the context. A programmatic and comprehensive understanding of FPOs can help to develop a better agricultural and allied business ecosystem for diversified categories of farmers. Study aims to assess the sentiments and success potential of FPOs under an abundance of small and marginal farmers, comparing them to cooperative and contract farming legislation, to encourage a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem in India.

Agribusiness Prospects of Kachai Lemon Produced in Ukhrul District of Manipur, India: Status, Issues and Way Forward

Kachai lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) is a variety of citrus, known for its rich nutritional and medicinal benefits due to its high flavonoid content and ascorbic acid. It has played a significant role in enhancing the socio-economic development of the tribal communities by generating income and employment opportunities. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Kachai lemon has increased its commercial cultivation and market value. This recognition and growing attention have led to the emergence of agripreneurs and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) for production, value addition and marketing of Kachai lemon in an organized manner. The present study is aimed to compile the success stories, challenges of farmers and explore various Kachai lemon brands available on online platforms. A SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) analysis on production and marketing of kachai lemon was performed. For the study, descriptive analysis was carried out to assess its potential, current status and challenges. The study suggests that in order to compete globally, it is crucial to develop strong post-harvest processing and marketing systems with support from agencies and institutions to provide valuable resources and market linkages to enhance efficiency and gain economic benefits.

Enabling and inhibiting factors of sustainability of Farmer's Producers Organisations in India

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are farmers' collectives or farmer-led business entities seeking to empower small and marginal farmers in India. Some farmer's collectives successfully achieve their goals and some often fail to meet the increasing demands in the agribusiness ecosystem. However, the academic literature glorifies the success studies of farmers' collectives. There are mentions of sustainability issues of farmers' collectives. However, not enough studies point to the factors that influence the organisational sustainability of farmers' collectives. Therefore, in this paper, the researchers aim to explore both the enabling and inhibiting factors of sustainability of farmer's collectives. A thematic synthesis process was applied to compile information from published literature. The study compiles enabling and inhibiting sustainability factors from 22 studies of FPOs. A qualitative approach using focused group discussion with farmers in FPO was completed to validate the findings from secondary data sources and collect empirical evidence directly from the farmers. The methodology guarantees inclusivity by collecting the voices of farmers through focused group discussion. Key enabling and inhibiting factors of sustainability of FPOs were categorized into economic, social, and environmental dimensions of organisational sustainability. In the economic dimension, improved agricultural income of farmers was reported as an enabling factor for sustainability, while some FPOs report capital shortage as a main hindrance for organisational sustainability in FPOs. The social dimension claims the collective bargaining power of members and effective capacity-building and collaboration opportunities as enabling factors. However, farmers highlight without good leadership strategies, and upskilling of farmers attaining sustainability is a mirage. Effective organisational activities like branding, marketing of products, access and awareness about capacity building were derived as the enabling factors in the environmental dimension of organisational sustainability, whereas, poor infrastructure lack of robust organisational structure, and climate change were termed as inhibiting factors. Understanding these sustainability factors can help policymakers to develop farmer-friendly collectives which enhance agriculture and food systems that will help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1—Zero Poverty and SDG 2—End hunger.

Lost vegetables, lost value: Assessment of carrot downgrading and losses at a large producer organisation

Retailers usually impose strict private quality standards on fresh fruit and vegetable products, mainly focused on cosmetic features. At the supplier level, this generates a stream of suboptimal products that cannot be sold on the fresh market. This article studies the impact of these standards on suppliers by means of a direct quantification conducted in 2023 in the carrot supply chain of an Italian Producer Organisation. 34.64% of the carrots processed in terms of mass is downgraded because of non-compliance with the standards imposed by retailers, while 12.57% is lost at the primary stage due to food safety reasons. Downgrading occurs as a result of cosmetic imperfection (33.28% of mass) or because carrots are out-of-size (66.72%). The downgraded carrots are re-processed for industry, generating an additional loss of 15.27% of mass along the way. The economic loss linked to downgrading would account for 22.05% of potential turnover if no cosmetic quality standards were applied. By modelling a series of hypothetical scenarios, this article discusses the impact on the producer if the private quality standards imposed by retailers were more flexible.

Assessing factors influencing in farmer producer organizations and challenges faced by farmers in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh

Assessing factors influencing in farmer producer organizations and challenges faced by farmers in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh

Role Of Government Policies In Shaping Vegetable Marketing Practices: Evidence FromRajasthan

This study examines the impact of government policies on vegetable marketing practices in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Using primary data collected from surveys of 500 farmers, 100 wholesalers, and 50 retailers across five districts of Rajasthan, as well as secondary data fromgovernment reports and academic literature, the paper analyzes how various national and state-level agricultural policies have influenced the structure and functioning of vegetable value chains in the region. Key policies considered include the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, contract farming laws, minimum support prices (MSP), and agricultural subsidies. The results show that the APMC Act has led to the development of a network of regulated wholesale markets which serve as the main marketing channel for vegetables, but its provisions restricting sales outside these markets have hindered direct linkages between producers and buyers. Recent reforms aimed at allowing private markets and removing barriers to interstate trade have had limited impact so far. Contract farming remains underdeveloped due to regulatory uncertainty and lack of trust between stakeholders. MSP haslittle relevance for most vegetable crops given their perishability and lack of public procurement. Input subsidies, while increasing yields, have exacerbated problems of overuse of chemicals and declining water tables. The paper argues for a more holistic, nutrition-sensitive approach to agricultural policy that goes beyond a narrow focus on boosting production and marketable surplus. Specific recommendations include investments in storage and cold-chain infrastructure, expansion of crop insurance coverage, promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations and shorter supply chains, and greater emphasis on sustainable production practices and nutrition education. Enhancing smallholder access to credit, information, and input-output markets remains critical

Profile characteristics of selected farmer producer organizations (FPOs) members of Chhattisgarh state

Profile characteristics of selected farmer producer organizations (FPOs) members of Chhattisgarh state

The role of producer organizations in promoting farm-level implementation of milk hygiene strategies among dairy farmers in Kenya

The role of producer organizations in promoting farm-level implementation of milk hygiene strategies among dairy farmers in Kenya

Agri-inputs Sourcing Networks of Rice Farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, India

Agricultural inputs are the underlying elements that are vital for agricultural production. Timely availability and quality of the inputs also have a significant impact on production. Thereby, the study aims to investigate the structure and dynamics of agricultural input sourcing networks among rice farmers in two districts each of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Kerala. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected and surveyed. Social network analysis was deployed for the analysis and to delineate the network maps. The results revealed that commercial banks were the major source of financial resources among all four districts. Cooperative banks with an eigen-centrality value of 0.96 were on par with the commercial banks in providing credit to the farmers in Palakkad region of Kerala. In seeds, private dealers were major players in Kurnool, while neighbouring farmers were the major source in East Godavari of AP. In Kerala, Krishi Bhavan was the major source of seeds for farmers in both districts. For other inputs such as fertilisers and plant protection chemicals, farmers in Kurnool sourced majorly from private dealers while East Godavari farmers sourced primarily from both private dealers and cooperatives. In Kerala, farmers sourced other inputs primarily from cooperatives in Thrissur and in Palakkad, farmers sourced them from a farmer producer organisation.

Challenges in Fintech Adoption among Members of Farmer Producer Organisations – An Analysis

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the personal, technological, and trust-related barriers that prevent farmers in Tamil Nadu from adopting fintech. The research aims to provide insights for enhancing the utilization of fintech in the agricultural sector by analyzing these obstacles. Study Design: The limitations that limit farmers' use of fintech were investigated using an ex-post facto research design. Place and Duration of Study: From March to July 2023, the research was carried out in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Due to its high concentration of banking establishments, this area was chosen for fintech adoption research. Methodology: From four Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) affiliated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tiruvallur, 120 farmers, 86 men and 34 women, aged 18 to 75, were chosen at random. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the data, which were divided into personal, technological, and trust-related constraints. The farmers' perspectives were used to evaluate the severity of these constraints using the Garrett ranking method. Results: Personal constraints, such as risk aversion (average score = 65.14) and a preference for cash transactions (average score = 56.68), were found to be the most significant obstacles to the adoption of fintech. Usage was further hampered by technological issues such as restricted access to technical support (64.79) and complicated user interfaces (52.95). Concerns about trust, particularly concerns about scams and fraud (65.83), were the most significant obstacles, highlighting the need for robust security measures. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to remove the major obstacles to the adoption of fintech, particularly by improving user-friendly designs, technical support, and security measures.

Product differentiation, quality, and milk price stability: The case of the Swiss cheese market

AbstractWe investigate potential linkages between product and quality differentiation in the cheese markets and raw milk producer prices. We analyze the co‐movements of producer prices of milk delivered to cheese processing channels with different differentiation strategies, namely industrial, artisanal, and artisanal cheese with geographical indications (GI) in the Swiss dairy market. We find that overall, product and quality differentiation in cheese markets helps milk producers achieve higher and more stable prices. Additional GI protection does not guarantee further enhancement of producer prices. Rather, its effectiveness may depend largely on the strength of GI protection and the governance of producer organizations.

Knowledge Based Millet Trainings for Sustainable Nutritional Security in the Tribal Communities of Andhra Pradesh

India, home to the world's largest tribal population of 10.43 crore as per the 2021 census, heavily relies on millet farming for food security in tribal communities. Millets, often termed Nutri-cereals or superfoods, are resilient to poor soil and harsh climates and provide essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and dietary fiber, addressing widespread nutritional deficiencies. Despite their advantages, millet farming faces significant challenges due to climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and rising food prices. The research sampled with 240 women from three Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the Alluri Sitharamaraju (ASR) district was included for the study. Structured interview Schedule and a five-point continuum were used to evaluate the tribal women views towards training given on millet cultivation, post-harvest practices, and value addition techniques. Findings revealed a general positive response to the training, particularly in areas like field preparation and nutrient management. However, challenges persist, such as limited access to resources, modern processing equipment, and proper storage facilities. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the livelihoods of tribal women and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Enhanced infrastructure, timely financial support, and continuous capacity-building are essential for maximizing the benefits of millet farming in tribal areas, contributing to food security and economic development.

Assessment of the Group Efficiency of the Farmers Producer Organization in the Old Alluvial Zone of Eastern India

Assessment of the Group Efficiency of the Farmers Producer Organization in the Old Alluvial Zone of Eastern India

Significance of ESG in Farmer Producing Organizations

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) hold immense potential to transform Indian agriculture. However, challenges like low farmer income, climate change, and FPO sustainability persist. This paper explores how integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can address these concerns and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural ecosystem. Despite significant growth, a large portion of FPOs fail within a few years due to factors like inadequate resources and poor leadership. ESG principles offer a solution by promoting sustainable practices, fair labor conditions, and responsible governance. This not only benefits farmers through improved livelihoods and resource efficiency but also attracts socially responsible investors and strengthens stakeholder relationships. Implementing ESG requires a multi-pronged approach. Raising awareness among board members and farmers is essential, followed by developing tailored ESG policies and building capacity in sustainable practices. Collaboration with government agencies and NGOs can provide crucial resources and expertise. By embracing ESG, FPOs can overcome sustainability challenges, enhance profitability, and contribute to a healthier planet. This integration can be a game-changer for Indian agriculture, ensuring food security for future generations. By integrating ESG, FPOs can increase their market competitiveness, attract responsible investments, and contribute to a more equitable agricultural landscape. Implementing ESG requires a comprehensive approach, including awareness building, policy development, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. Ultimately, the adoption of ESG principles can transform FPOs into sustainable and resilient entities, driving positive change in the agricultural sector

Boosting Cooperative Success: Evaluating the Performance of Farmer Producer Organizations in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Boosting Cooperative Success: Evaluating the Performance of Farmer Producer Organizations in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Value Chain Dynamics in Farmer Producer Organizations: A Review

Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs) plays a crucial role in organizing farmers to improve farming efficiency and market access. FPOs allow collective marketing and negotiating by uniting the produce of smallholder farmers. The value chain includes all processes that take a farm product from production to final consumption, such as manufacturing, processing, distribution, and selling. This study sought to investigate value chain dynamics, including FPOs, and identify success factors and obstacles. It applied a systematic methodology to examine market linkages and constraints faced by FPOs. The literature reviews available research highlights gaps and makes recommendations for future studies and policies. The report emphasizes FPOs' importance in enhancing value chains and assisting smallholder farmers, which is critical for agriculture sector resilience and growth.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CLAIMS IN DRUG PROMOTIONAL LITERATURE AVAILABLE TO MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

Context: Objective: To ascertain whether the pharmaceutical companies are following the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for Ethical Medicinal Drug Promotion 2015 and Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2019 and to what extent. Also, to evaluate the therapeutic claims made by them in their drug promotional literature (DPL) and to classify them. Methods: DPL brochures were collected from different pharmaceutical companies from various medical practitioners and assessed for ethical promotion based on guidelines. Therapeutic claims made by them were classified as authentic, exaggerated, controversial, false, misinterpreted, and ambiguous. Results: A total of 100 DPLs were collected and critically analyzed for authenticity of the content. It was observed that the majority of the DPLs did not comply with the criteria mentioned in the WHO Criteria of Ethical Promotion 2015 and the OPPI Code of Pharmaceutical Practices 2019. International non-proprietary names and the brand name were mentioned by 100% of DPLs. The amount of active ingredients and approved therapeutic indications were mentioned by (99%) and (96%) respectively. The dosage form or regimen was mentioned by 87% of DPLs. Criteria like side effects, precautions/contraindications, and major interactions were mentioned in 28%, 29%, and 14% respectively. Based on the therapeutic claims 23% of the DPLs were found to be authentic and the remaining 77% were extravagant. Conclusions: This study enabled us to find out to what extent the pharmaceutical industries follow the standard criteria for DPL and evaluate the claims made by them. The majority of the DPLs did not follow ethical guidelines and were inadequate in terms of their adequacy, quality, and reliability.

Ripe for contracts? Estimating the impact of an avocado producer organization contract farming intervention

AbstractWe evaluate the impact of a producer organization avocado contract farming intervention in Kenya that included (1) an agreement to sell to an avocado exporting company, (2) access to training, and (3) support to gain group‐level Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALG.A.P.) certification as main activities. Using a (nonexperimental) doubly robust difference‐in‐differences design with farm‐level panel data from 2015 and 2017, we show that farmers began selling to the contracted company, were recently trained and received the GLOBALG.A.P. certification. However, the intervention's uptake was less than perfect, especially concerning the procurement aspect of the contract, suggesting widespread side selling. In terms of outcomes, contract farming nevertheless significantly improved sales prices and reported quality, increased direct sales to companies, and led to more planted trees, but also increased total production costs. The effects are driven by the Hass avocado variety, which is in higher demand in export markets and the contracted avocado variety. No significant income and other welfare effects were found.

A study of perception of members about Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal

A study of perception of members about Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal