Analysis of Successful Millet FPOs: An Exploratory Study in the Southern States

Abstract

Aims: In India agriculture is the primary livelihood for small & marginal farmers and they are facing various challenges throughout the agricultural value chain from seed to delivering the final produce to consumer plate. To improve the fragmented supply chain and to support small & marginal farmers government has taken an initiative of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). FPOs are an important component of the government's efforts to support farmers and to address the challenges they face in the agricultural sector. FPOs also create a platform for peer learning, building social capital, and fostering a sense of community among millet farmers Study Design:  Action type of research design. Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad during 2022. Methodology: ICAR-IIMR is acting as CBBO to 41 millet FPOs in four states of which, Six FPOs distributed in Telangana (3) and Karnataka (3) were selected randomly for the present study which were implemented by NABARD, SFAC, NCDC and WDD. Action research design was used for collecting the data from millet farmers with the help of interview schedule. Problems faced by the FPOs in particular and farmers in general were analyzed in this study. Results: ICAR-IIMR developed business models to its FPOs based on the regional context and with available resources. The success of FPOs requires assessing multiple factors and considering both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The experiences shared by millet FPOs will positively influence millet farming communities and contribute to the growth of millet cultivation. Establishing reliable market linkages, primary processing units and promoting value addition are crucial for the success of millet FPOs. Conclusion: From the study it could be concluded that models and practices of successful FPOs may be replicated or scaled up in other regions, contributing to the broader promotion of millet farming and the formation of additional millet FPOs.