Constraints faced by FPO members and beneficiary farmers in performing effective FPO activities

Abstract

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are instrumental in supporting small farmers through services like technical assistance, marketing, and input access. Despite backing from the Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), FPOs in India face multifaceted challenges, such as personal, technical, financial, infrastructural, and market-related that often results in distress sales and reduced income for farmers. This study, conducted in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan, surveyed 10 FPO members and 230 beneficiary farmers to identify key constraints. Results showed that Accountants experienced the highest challenges (MPS 79.17), followed by the Board of Directors (MPS 72.50). Among farmers, post-harvest management emerged as the most critical issue (MPS 83.94). Addressing these constraints is vital for the sustainability and impact of FPOs in improving farmer livelihoods.