From process to outcome: An NGO’s role in developing FPO in agriculture sector

Agriculture sector is vital for the Indian economy. This sector not only fulfills the food necessities of the people but also engages farmers and laborers. Farmers have a great role to play in agricultural development. Their understanding and involvement in agricultural activities, learning and adaptation to new tools & techniques of agriculture, and skills to manage their own farm-based activities drive towards agricultural development. The Government of India is emphasizing on the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as an innovative measure to develop agriculture sector. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also been involved in developing and enabling FPOs to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the socio-economic status of farmers in the overall development of the agricultural sector. In this context, NGOs play an imperative role in developing FPOs, guiding their members (farmers) to improve their agricultural knowledge, hone their skills, solve their group-level problems, and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector. This study addresses all these aspects in detail. The group development process followed by an NGO in developing an FPO and its impact on farmers’ development, contributing towards agricultural development, has been focused on in this study. The catalytic role played by an NGO in the developmental process of FPO is being highlighted. The importance of FPO in the development of farmers is enabling them to be financially literate, confident, and entrepreneurial, linking up their farm-based activities with the market, and honing their knowledge and technical skills are focused.