Status and Performance of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Maharashtra: A Case Study of Pulses

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as one of the most effective institutional mechanisms to protect the interests of small and marginal farmers in the context of a globalized market. Maharashtra stands out as one of the leading states with a large number of FPOs engaged in various sectors, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and pulses. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of pulse-producing FPOs while providing an overview of the status and functioning of FPOs in India. A primary survey was conducted among member and non-member farmers in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra to assess the performance of these organizations, identify factors influencing farmer participation in FPOs, and examine the challenges faced by FPOs. The findings revealed that a higher proportion of member farmers, compared to non-members, benefitted from field visits by extension agents (NGOs) and training received on marketing activities. The results of the logit regression analysis suggested that extension visits and training provided by NGOs significantly motivate farmers to join FPOs. However, major constraints faced by FPOs included low awareness among farmers, marketing risks, limited government support, and the collusion between local traders and market intermediaries.