Assessment of Farmer Producer Organizations and Their Perceived Benefits among Member Farmers in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as an important institution for improving the livelihood of farmers in Meghalaya. West Garo Hills district has the highest number of FPOs in the state with a total of 15 FPOs. Farmers in the district face challenges related to markets, inputs and crop damages which make it necessary to study the role and perceived benefits of FPOs which is functioning in West Garo Hills district. The study was conducted in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya during 2024-25. A total of four FPOs were selected purposively. The study covered 25member farmers from each FPO, comprising a total sample of 100 FPO members. The study aimed to assess the socio-economic changes of the FPO member farmers in the district, perceived benefits of FPO members and identify the factors influencing these benefits. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule based on the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) approach. Results showed that the farmer members were found to have high social participation (48%) and low risk perception (63%). The results further showed that communication behaviour improved significantly with medium-level communication increasing from 41% to 69% after joining the FPO. Access to agricultural information also found to have increased notably after joining the FPO (i.e., institutional sources increased from 46% to 98%). Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis revealed that social participation and risk perception significantly influenced perceived benefits at the 5% level of significance. The findings indicate that FPO membership improves farmers’ access to information, communication behaviour, and social benefits, although market-related benefits remain limited.