Futuristic challenges and strategies to address the challenges for FPOs

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the 60% of the population in India. India has more than 92 million small holdings where farmers facing different challenges such as scarcity of land, water resources, lack of infrastructure facilities, scarcity of labour, unavailability of financial services and new technologies. To overcome the problems formation of Farmer Producer Organisations especially for the small and marginal farmers is the effective pathway. Our Government also implemented various schemes to encourage farmers collective action. The present study entitled “Futuristic Challenges and Strategies to address the Challenges for FPO” was carried out in Tiruppur District by applying SWOC analysis. Many FPOs were formed by different institutions viz., NABARD, NGOs, TNSFAC, TNRTP, SFAC etc., and initial funding provided by the Agricultural Marketing Department for startup period. 27 FPOs in Tiruppur district were studied to know the Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Challenges. The results showed that FPOs mainly (99%) concentrating to mobilize funds from Government as subsidy, 95 per cent of FPOs not concentrating in the part of Governance. The mobilized funds utilized for running cost, starting new ventures like value added units establishment, purchase of assets etc., but not for the improvement of individual members through group. It is observed that the group members are not aware of their responsibilities, benefit, activities of the FPO. This study suggested that capacity building programme for directors, SHG leaders and members about strengthening of governance related to roles and responsibilities of EC members, leaders and members, importance in participating General Body Meeting and importance of rotation of leaders by following the rules of Lok Sabha. It is also suggested to build subsidiary institute by connecting all its members to aware of the FPO activities. If the FPO has succeeded in strengthening of governance, it paves way for the sustainability.