Farmer producer company: A case study of Cuddalore district Mangalore millets FPC in Tamil Nadu

Agriculture is crucial not only from an economic perspective but also from the social, political, and cultural perspectives. Indian agriculture is predominantly characterized by large number of dispersed and fragmented small holdings. Around 85 per cent of the land holdings belong to small and marginal farmers and being unorganized, these farmers are unable to realize good value for their produce. FPO is the new paradigm in Indian economy. Farmer producer organizations are crucial for both improving the livelihoods of small farmers and increasing the supply of diverse, nutritious foods that are increasingly in demand across India. Cuddalore District Mangalore millets farmer Producer company ltd Registered by the Companies Act 2013 and formed a group of 1,004 farmers with 35 villages in Cuddalore District in Mangalore and Nallur block under the guidance of the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri-business. This study is conducted in Cuddalore District. Primary data collection was carried out through which 350 farmers based on the member of the farmers was selected. The ultimate sample size was fixed as 350 using multistage sampling method. Producer companies play a vital role in empowering farmers and agricultural communities. By forming a collective farmers can pool their resources, access better markets, negotiate better prices for their produce and benefit from economies of scale. If the ‘Mangalore Millet Farmers Producer Company’ exists in Cuddalore district, its success would likely be determined by factors such as effective management, government support, access to markets and the enthusiasm of millet farmers in participating and adopting modern agricultural practices. The growth and impact of such a producer company could positively influence the livelihoods of millet farmers in the region, contribute to sustainable agriculture and strengthen the agricultural economy of Tamil Nadu.